Chapter Fifteen: Final Box Office and Acting

... Before 1972, the work of film and television censorship in Hong Kong was handled by a branch of the Hong Kong Government Information Office. In 1972, this branch became a government department, named the Film and Television Administration, and was renamed the Film, Television, and Entertainment Administration in 1977...

... The film classification system in Hong Kong serves to better protect audiences, especially those under eighteen. Their minds are not yet fully mature, and such a system shields them from harmful content in films...

... From another perspective, the classification system is also beneficial for mature viewers. Whether it is horror, supernatural, erotic, or violent films, audiences now have more choices; this is a sign of a mature film industry. The classification system provides viewers with information about films, allowing adults to see works depicting the realities of the adult world, while protecting children and young people from content unsuitable for their age...

Yan Xu had never imagined that one of his films would provoke such a strong response. The debates in Hong Kong newspapers even spread internationally, prompting the Asian Wall Street Journal to publicly reveal that Hong Kong's film censorship operated without legal foundation. This revelation caused a great stir in the local film industry and pushed the drafting of the Hong Kong film classification system ahead by three years. Though not yet officially announced, under pressure from public opinion and society, it was widely believed that the system would soon be implemented.

"Bottoms up."

"Yes, bottoms up this time."

This was the first time Hundred Battles Film Company hosted a celebration banquet. No big stars were invited; it was mostly the company's staff, a few friends from various associations, and several other bosses from the word circle. There was no need for ceremony or restraint—no wine, no champagne, no buffet. Large tables were set, each with lobster and abalone, and stacks of beer at the corners. It was truly a feast of meat and drink.

"Here are two million, your share from the film. The first three days' earnings were eight hundred eighty thousand, so twenty percent for you. The next twelve days, as we agreed, twenty-two point five percent, totaling three million four hundred twenty thousand. The remaining one hundred forty-two thousand will be paid once the theaters settle their accounts." Bald Qiang pulled a check from his pocket and handed it to Yan Xu.

"It's fine." Yan Xu was deeply moved—over two million, the first time he had handled such a large sum. In this era, this money could buy a car or a house, even two seaview apartments, which was the best investment before '97, sure to multiply in value.

The Rainy Night Butcher screened in Hong Kong for fifteen days, earning fifteen million three hundred thousand at the box office, ranking tenth among all Hong Kong films released that year, and eleventh among all releases, nearly surpassing Happy Ghost starring Wong Pak-Ming. This was over two million more than Yan Xu remembered, and factoring in inflation, it would be equivalent to more than twenty million later on.

This success was partly due to the heated discussions about The Rainy Night Butcher, and partly to the impending introduction of the Hong Kong film classification system. People were eager to see what kind of film had sparked such debate and could initiate a classification system. Of course, the film's more explicit and bloody scenes also played a role—descriptions of disgust only fueled curiosity.

Thanks to The Rainy Night Butcher's brilliance, other films released at the same time, like Big and Small Naughty, barely crossed ten million, a drop of one million seven hundred thousand compared to history. Still, ten million was a respectable result for Yong Sheng, but it paled beside The Rainy Night Butcher.

Other films, such as Shaw's Gold Bing-Hing's I Go Crazy for You, Chu Yuan's Love Slave: The New Tale, Water Like Years produced by Bluebird and Taiji, International's Green Lotus Youth, and Luo Wei's Ghost Line Man, were all affected by the competition, with box office returns lower than historical figures.

"Wow, over two million—Nine Days, you've really struck it rich! If you don't treat us to a big meal, we won't let you off!" Two million was unimaginable for Chicken Feather and Ghost East; their eyes shone with envy and joy for Yan Xu. The three had grown up together, and now one of them had finally made it.

"Tonight is the celebration banquet. Tomorrow, I'll treat you both—order whatever you like, shark fin, abalone, sea cucumber, it's all on me. Nightclubs and massages, too!" With two million in hand, Yan Xu was generous, patting his chest.

"No need to be jealous; you'll get your share, though not as much as Xu." Bald Qiang produced several checks, handing them to Chicken Feather, Ghost East, and Nine Days.

"Wow, fifty thousand! Boss, you're really generous!" Chicken Feather nearly jumped at the number on the check. He had only been envying Yan Xu, but this fifty thousand was his own.

"This is from the company. You've contributed a lot to the film, and your acting roles weren't paid separately. Now, the company counts your fees as part of the cost, and the fifty thousand is your bonus." Bald Qiang smiled.

Although the company only received a little more than ten percent from this film, it still earned over one million seven hundred thousand—more than it had made in years since its founding. Most importantly, the company invested only one hundred thousand, and in less than a month, it gained more than ten times that. Giving Chicken Feather and the others fifteen thousand each, plus the banquet and staff rewards, totaled only thirty thousand, leaving one hundred forty thousand.

This didn't even count subsequent video sales, which belonged entirely to the company. Typically, video sales amounted to at least twenty percent of box office—over three million. Of course, this income was long-term, possibly requiring a year or two to recoup, but even this single film would stabilize his position.

Beyond that, his benefits would be reflected in the year-end profit share. According to association rules, he could claim fifty percent of the company's profits. Even if all other films lost money, the company would still earn two million, meaning he could pocket a million—a sum greater than all he'd saved in a decade with the association.

"Fifty thousand—nowadays, even a second-tier star can't earn that much. Our value is really high." Ghost East held the check, his usually calm face breaking into a smile.

"You're stars now, especially Ghost East. Your role as the chubby, comical cop left a deep impression. Several productions have already called asking for you, and I've kept their numbers. Tomorrow, come to my office and take a look. Each pays several thousand, and since the roles are small, you can fit in several gigs." Nine Days chimed in.

"That reminds me—Xu, I got a call today. A film company wants you to act for them, with a fee of one hundred thousand. Will you accept?" Bald Qiang suddenly recalled, looking at Yan Xu.

ps: I've added so many asterisks; I wonder if this will pass review this time?