Chapter 00093: The Corrupting Influence of Capitalist Ideology
# The Corrupting Influence of Capitalist Ideology
Chapter 93
Novel: 1979 Golden Age
Chapter 93: The Corrupting Influence of Capitalist Ideology
The small auditorium was dimly lit as the silver screen flickered, replaying Lushan Love once more.
The room was silent, save for the faint hum of the projector.
Wang Haowei sat nervously beside Wang Yang, unsure of how this film would be received.
Wang Yang, on the other hand, seemed calm, not even bothering to wonder who had spread the rumors.
There were plenty of people who disliked the Beijing Film Studio, who disliked him, and who disliked Wang Haowei.
They seized every opportunity to cause trouble, and this was nothing new.
Lushan Love was a sensitive subject, and it was no surprise that some were waiting for the film to be completed before launching their attacks.
The world of art and culture was full of petty people and troublemakers.
"Old Wang," a high-ranking official from the city's propaganda department spoke up.
He had come personally to review the film, which already spoke volumes about his stance.
"You're a veteran of the revolution. How could you make such a mistake?"
"What mistake? They're spreading rumors that the film has ties to Taiwan. You've seen it yourself—is there any truth to that?"
"No, there isn't. I admit that much. It doesn't violate any rules. But..."
The official paused, his tone growing stern.
"Look at what you've made. The two leads wander around, sightseeing and falling in love. This kind of glorification of leisure and pleasure will have a negative impact on the audience. You're promoting bourgeois values of love. If everyone starts chasing romance, who will focus on building our nation's modernization? And that female lead—she changes outfits every time she appears. Is that necessary? She stays in luxurious rooms, carries a handbag, wears high heels—it's all dripping with capitalist decadence! As for the film's theme, while it does express patriotism, the overall tone is shallow and lacks depth."
With every word, Wang Haowei's expression grew darker.
The official had torn Lushan Love to shreds.
But given his position, only Wang Yang could push back.
"So, what's your final decision?"
"It shouldn't be released."
"You're entitled to your opinion, but according to regulations, I'll have to submit it to other departments for review. Whether it gets released isn't up to you alone."
"Regardless, I oppose it, and I stand by that decision."
The official stubbed out his cigarette, straightened his Zhongshan suit, and left.
Shortly after, Chen Qi slipped into the room.
"Old Director Wang, what's the verdict?"
"The city's propaganda department is firmly against it. They say we're promoting capitalist corruption," Wang Haowei sighed.
"What do we do now?"
"We'll submit it to the Film Bureau first, then organize a screening for leaders from the United Front Work Department and the Municipal Trade Union Council. The propaganda department doesn't have the final say. It's a matter of majority support. The more voices in favor, the better our chances," Wang Yang explained.
"The United Front Work Department? Brilliant!" Chen Qi grinned.
Lushan Love was all about unity, after all.
The United Front would surely support it.
After a moment of thought, he added, "Why not invite some newspapers to help build momentum?"
"Newspapers have their own agendas. They'll only praise what they like and criticize what they don't. It's too risky," Wang Yang shook his head.
"Funny you should say that. I happen to know a journalist who's... flexible in her stance. I'll ask her to help."
---
In the eastern part of the city, at the Film Bureau's screening room, Shi Dongming arrived early.
He was a staff member of the bureau's art department and later became the deputy director of the Beijing Film Studio and vice president of the China Film Group.
He entered the screening room and waited as more than twenty people filed in, including the bureau's director, staff, and experts.
There was no fixed organization for film censorship, nor were there clear standards—even in later years, decisions were made based on the spirit of central directives.
Without much ado, the film began.
Once it ended, the discussion started.
"I think the film is quite refreshing. Although it has a love story, it's very pure and doesn't cross any boundaries."
"Not cross boundaries? They show arms and legs, hug in broad daylight, and even kiss on the cheek. How indecent!"
"I think it fits the characters. She's an overseas Chinese from America, so her behavior would naturally differ from locals."
Shi Dongming chimed in, "I think it's excellent. The film blends romance with patriotism, grounding the love story in a meaningful context. It's touching and well-made."
Opinions varied, and the debate grew lively.
To be fair, the Film Bureau in the 1980s and early 1990s was quite open-minded, far from the rigid image it would later acquire.
Just look at the plethora of cult films from that era—The Lonely Spirit in the Old Building, The Silver Snake Murders, The Night Raid on Zhenfei's Tomb, The Beauty's Head in the Haunted House, The Poisonous Kiss, and so on.
The Night Raid on Zhenfei's Tomb was even a tomb-raiding film! Yes, tomb-raiding was a popular theme for a time, though most films were of poor quality.
Younger audiences today can hardly imagine how relaxed the film and TV environment was back then.
Some TV shows even featured nudity.
But by the mid-1990s, mainstream themes began to dominate.
Back to the discussion.
After much debate, no consensus was reached.
Lushan Love was set aside for further review.
---
Meanwhile, Wang Yang's screening session was underway.
He had pulled some strings, inviting dozens of leaders from various departments.
After the film ended, the discussion was surprisingly harmonious, with almost no one bringing up the criticisms or flaws.
"It's been so long since I last visited Lushan. The scenery is enchanting, and this film captures it beautifully. I must go back after I retire."
"The film feels very authentic. That pillow-shaped rock is just as I remember it. The cinematography is excellent!"
"The leads are both good-looking. It's a pleasure to watch."
The United Front Work Department's leader was particularly pleased.
"Old Wang, this film is great. It shows the children of both parties marrying, promoting national unity, and welcoming overseas Chinese to contribute to modernization. It hits all the right notes! Though, wouldn't it have been better to set it in Taiwan instead of America?"
"Don't even suggest that. If I did, I'd be labeled a traitor. As it is, they're already nitpicking and refusing to release it."
"Don't mind them. The city's propaganda department isn't the central authority. If all else fails, submit it to the Ministry of Culture."
"I've considered that!"
In a corner, Chen Qi sat with his old friend, Yu Jiajia.
"Wow, the female lead is stunning. Her name's Gong Xue? How old is she?"
"None of your business! I brought you here to write an article."
"Got it, got it. You want me to hype it up in the newspaper, right?"
"Not just that. Write a positive review first, but subtly hint at some sensitive points—like the romance, the female lead's Western style, the union of the two parties... Then I'll write a reader's letter attacking those points. It'll grab attention."
"Aren't you worried it might backfire and the film won't get released?"
"Not at all. This is just the beginning..."
Chen Qi wasn't concerned.
Lushan Love had faced plenty of criticism back in the day.
"We're just building hype, making the film a hot topic before it even hits the screens."
"Is this what they call journalism?"
"No, no. This is marketing!"
(End of Chapter)