Chapter Thirty: An Impossible Mission

In early September, half a month after the beginning of autumn, the weather in the capital was no longer as scorching as the summer heat. After more than a month of overtime and intense work, the post-production of "The Butterfly Effect" was finally completed.

Originally, Ning Hao had allocated two months for the entire post-production team, allowing them to proceed at a leisurely pace. But in early August, Han Sanping suddenly approached Gu Zhi and Ning Hao, who were still editing at their own rhythm, and injected a powerful catalyst into their workflow.

"Gu, Ning, the studio has made a decision—'The Butterfly Effect' will be released nationwide on September 28th. Hurry and finish post-production; there are some promotional events requiring the presence of the main creative team. Don’t let it be delayed."

Han Sanping had served as deputy director at Emei Film Studio and Beijing Film Studio for sixteen years. After Beijing Film Studio merged into China Film, he still referred to the company as "the studio" when speaking with insiders.

"September 28... Isn't Director Feng's 'A Sigh' also premiering on that day? Why go head-to-head with him, Sanping? There's absolutely no need for us to release at the same time," Ning Hao questioned directly.

They had previously learned from Liu Qi about the specific release date of "A Sigh" and had hoped to avoid that period, lest the two films clash and impact each other’s box office. Although this film wasn't Feng Xiaogang's typical New Year comedy, it still bore his renowned name. Even if its content was not particularly appealing, the box office would hardly suffer.

Gu Zhi himself was confident in the quality of "The Butterfly Effect," but this was his first attempt at adapting a foreign film for the local big screen. Whether audiences would embrace this genre remained uncertain. Now, to face off directly against a master director like Feng, their chances were impossible to gauge.

"Not only Feng Xiaogang's 'A Sigh,' but a major Hollywood blockbuster newly acquired by the studio will also be released in September," Han Sanping added.

"What!"

"Which blockbuster?" Gu Zhi asked urgently.

"'Mission: Impossible II.'"

"Huh?"

What movie was that? Gu Zhi was momentarily confused, unable to place the title.

Seeing his puzzled expression, Han Sanping explained further, "It's a spy thriller starring Tom Cruise, directed by John Woo from Hong Kong. The studio paid handsomely to secure exclusive distribution rights."

With that clarification, Gu Zhi finally understood which blockbuster was meant. "Mission: Impossible II"—he recalled the name Han Sanping had just mentioned came from Taiwan's translation, a straightforward literal rendering from English, accurate but rather ordinary. Hong Kong had its own translation, "Professional Special Agents," even more generic and uninspired.

"Mission: Impossible" was the mainland's own translation, introduced by China Film since the first installment, with the title provided by Shanghai Translation Studio. The subsequent films maintained this naming. This translation embodied the three principles of fidelity, expressiveness, and elegance—it was catchy, pleasant, and easy to spread. By comparison, Taiwan and Hong Kong's versions were simply outclassed.

Hong Kong and Taiwan were notorious for their odd and often vulgar translations of foreign film titles, sometimes earning the reputation of "divine" translations. One couldn't help but wonder what prompted Han Sanping to use the Taiwanese name today instead of the familiar mainland title.

"Mission: Impossible II" had a phenomenal box office; in its first three days in North America, it soared toward sixty million dollars, and its total gross reached 543 million, making it the highest-grossing film worldwide in 2000. However, it was also considered the weakest entry in the series—a meticulously packaged blockbuster fast food, and director John Woo was harshly criticized by fans, with extreme opinions like "John Woo is dead" circulating.

Gu Zhi couldn't recall how "Mission: Impossible II" performed at the box office in mainland China in his previous life, but even if its quality was lacking, its status as a Hollywood blockbuster made it a formidable competitor.

"Sanping, all these films are crowding September, and China Film still insists on releasing 'The Butterfly Effect' at this time—what’s the meaning behind this?" Gu Zhi asked. "Isn’t this deliberately sabotaging 'The Butterfly Effect'? A film made entirely by newcomers, forced to compete against two massive opponents right out of the gate—if this isn’t malicious sabotage, I really can’t think of any other reason."

Han Sanping looked troubled, glancing at Gu Zhi and then at Ning Hao, and sighed softly.

"I’ll be honest with you—the arrangement to release 'A Sigh' and 'Mission: Impossible' simultaneously is the higher-ups’ decision. They want domestic films to compete with Hollywood blockbusters."

"Does that mean our film has caught the higher-ups’ attention, and we're to join the fight against Hollywood?"

Han Sanping smiled wryly and shook his head. "Not at all. This isn’t some glamorous opportunity. Feng Xiaogang is shrewd, backed by Huayi Brothers, and wouldn't agree easily. He made a condition: 'The Butterfly Effect' must also premiere in the same period, or he wouldn’t consent."

"Because 'The Butterfly Effect' is currently the studio’s hot project, with plenty of promotional support. Feng Xiaogang worried that if its release was staggered, it might actually outgross his film, so he insisted on this condition."

Hearing this explanation, Gu Zhi and Ning Hao were left speechless.

Director Feng, you’re truly calculating!

"Don’t let it bother you," Han Sanping encouraged. "As long as the film is good, audiences will respond. At this stage, publicity is crucial, and the studio will continue to support 'The Butterfly Effect.'"

"However..."

Han Sanping paused, his expression turning slightly playful.

"'Mission: Impossible' is exclusively distributed by the studio and requires a share of promotional resources. A few days ago, the studio held an internal screening, and the feedback was so-so."

"Once 'The Butterfly Effect' is finished, the studio will also organize a screening. Then, they’ll compare the quality of both films and decide how to allocate promotional resources."

"You need to be prepared psychologically. Finish the film soon—the studio is waiting for your screening."

With that, Han Sanping gave the two a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"Understood, Sanping..."

Now, both were filled with uncertainty, their voices barely carrying any strength.