Chinese Film Producer Sparks Debate Over Malicious Reviews and Fair Ratings
China's film industry has been embroiled in a heated debate about movie ratings and malicious reviews from "water army" trolls, prompting renowned film producer Yu Dong to speak out. The controversy has centered around the recent Lunar New Year blockbuster "The Bravest," which has faced challenges in scheduling and has been targeted by malicious reviews. At a recent roadshow event on January 31, Yu Dong explicitly stated that giving one-star reviews was a form of "black water" sabotage, while lead actor Yu Shao appealed for fairness using a quote from the film.

1 February 2025
Yu Dong has since made further comments, criticizing Douban, a popular Chinese social media platform, for becoming a hub for fans to engage in mutual sabotage. He used the example of the movie "The Anonymous" to highlight the issue, noting that it received tens of thousands of one-star reviews on its opening day. Yu Dong emphasized that "black water" tactics are often used to target irrational behavior from fan groups and called on fans to promote their favorite films in a positive and fair manner, rather than resorting to malicious reviews. He also expressed his hope that viewers would provide genuine evaluations of "The Bravest," accepting constructive criticism while vigorously opposing malicious reviews, and reiterated that the film would not be withdrawn from theaters.
The controversy surrounding "The Bravest" has sparked a heated debate, with some supporting Yu Dong's stance against unfair practices and others questioning the film's quality. As one commentator noted, whether or not to withdraw the film from theaters is one issue, but consumer feedback and ticket sales are another. The online community has been abuzz with differing opinions on the matter, with some netizens coming out in support of Yu Dong's views and others expressing disagreement with his stance. Some have pointed out that not all negative reviews can be attributed to "water armies," and that legitimate criticisms of a film should be taken seriously rather than dismissed as malicious.
The example of the movie "The Anonymous" has been cited, with some arguing that its success is due to its high-quality storytelling and the strong performance of its lead actor, Wang Yibo. Others have noted that the film's success is not just due to its quality, but also due to the popularity of its cast and the effective marketing strategy. The debate has highlighted the complexities of the film industry, where the lines between genuine criticism and malicious attacks can become blurred. As the discussion continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the film's reception will be affected and what lessons the industry will take away from this experience.

Many have come to the defense of "The Anonymous," stating that it is a classic film that will be remembered for its great storytelling and strong performances. The film has already won numerous awards and has been recognized as one of the best films in recent years. Some have argued that the film's success is not just due to its quality, but also due to the dedication and hard work of its cast and crew. The film's lead actor, Wang Yibo, has been praised for his performance, and many have noted that he is one of the most talented young actors in the industry.
The controversy surrounding "The Bravest" and Yu Dong's response has sparked a wider debate about the role of online reviews and the impact of "water armies" on the film industry. Some have argued that online reviews are an important part of the film-going experience, and that they provide a valuable insight into a film's quality. Others have noted that online reviews can be misleading and that they are often influenced by external factors, such as marketing campaigns and fan culture. The debate has highlighted the need for a more nuanced understanding of the film industry and the ways in which online reviews can shape our perceptions of a film's quality.

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding "The Bravest" and Yu Dong's response has sparked a necessary conversation about the state of the film industry and the ways in which online reviews can impact a film's success. As the industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more debates and controversies surrounding online reviews and their role in shaping our perceptions of a film's quality. However, by engaging in open and honest discussions about these issues, we can work towards creating a more fair and equitable film industry, where films are judged on their merits rather than on external factors.