On October 15th, amidst the excitement surrounding the Golden Week holiday, the much-anticipated film “749局” made headlines by breaking the billion-yuan mark on its opening day. However, this initial success quickly turned into disappointment as the film’s box office rapidly declined, with its Douban score plummeting from a starting 5.0 to a mere 4.0, signaling its fate for over 160,000 viewers. What, then, went wrong for “749局”?
Director Lu Chuan took a bold stand, openly inviting criticism, stating, “If there are issues, come at me!” With an investment of several hundred million yuan and eight years of preparation, the responsibility for the film’s performance lies squarely with him.
“749局” draws inspiration from Lu Chuan’s real-life experiences at the mysterious 749 Bureau, depicting scenes reminiscent of his first day on the job through an intricate maze of iron doors. The film blends elements from the enigmatic past of the 749 Bureau with futuristic sci-fi themes, telling a story set in the “near future” of 2030. As an unknown creature threatens the city, a boy with special abilities, played by Wang Junkai, and his comrades from the 749 Bureau must confront this disaster while growing into their roles.
Despite the formula of a sci-fi blockbuster combined with popular stars and a renowned director, the film fell flat, leading some viewers to liken it to a “2.0 version of ‘Shanghai Fortress’.”
The failure of “749局” serves as a stark reminder to filmmakers that relying on perceived “hit formulas” is no guarantee of success; the quality of the work itself is paramount. Breaking down the elements of this formula reveals that since the rise of sci-fi with hits like “The Wandering Earth,” the genre has become increasingly popular. Given the well-cultivated audience for sci-fi, even a mediocre offering can achieve success.
Take, for example, last summer’s sleeper hit, the sci-fi horror “Alien: Covenant,” which thrived amidst a cooling international market and grossed over 700 million yuan. Despite lacking the big-budget backing and renowned directors of previous films in the franchise, its straightforward narrative and compelling special effects drew audiences in.
Conversely, “749局,” despite its significant budget, faced scrutiny for its subpar visual effects, which even viewers compared unfavorably to low-tier online games. Some commenters labeled it as a “Hollywood imitation” or a “sci-fi highlight reel,” criticizing its failure to delve into the intriguing stories associated with the 749 Bureau. Instead, viewers felt it relied on borrowed concepts from various sci-fi films with uninspired character designs and clichéd plots, resulting in a disjointed and recycled experience.
The plot itself was deemed a “disaster zone,” leaving many viewers frustrated and confused about key elements, including the ambiguity around the so-called “zero specimen” and its connection to the protagonists. Alongside forced emotional moments and poorly defined character arcs, the narrative ultimately failed to engage.
Could the performances of talented actors salvage the film? “749局” features an impressive cast, including Wang Junkai, Miao Miao, Zheng Kai, Ren Min, and Xin Baiqing. However, trapped in a flawed plot, even esteemed actors struggled to shine.
Thus, when Lu Chuan states, “Don’t blame my actors and creative team — they’re the best; come at me instead,” one must wonder if he’s truly directing criticism where it belongs. While the cast’s talent is unquestionable, the core issue is undoubtedly his own.
Currently, some filmmakers appear to be caught in a mindset where they craft stories to satisfy themselves rather than resonate with audiences. Lu Chuan’s intention with “749局” was to celebrate youth and fulfill his sci-fi dream, yet by imposing his personal preferences without considering audience tastes, he seems bewildered by the backlash.
While he publicly expresses gratitude for constructive criticism, it’s hard not to perceive a reluctance to fully acknowledge viewers’ insights amidst multiple revisions. Ultimately, industry professionals must stay attuned to evolving audience preferences, as the path to success in an increasingly competitive landscape lies only in producing high-quality works.
Today’s audiences no longer require direction from detached creative teams on what constitutes a good film or what they should watch. True progress in the film industry hinges on screenwriters refining their scripts, actors honing their craft, and directors genuinely listening to the public’s needs.
