Yu Dong's Backlash: Chinese Director Sparks Debate with 'Water Army' Comments
Recently, the Chinese film director Yu Dong has been at the center of a heated controversy surrounding his movie "The Rescue" (also known as "Operation Dragon"). In response to the film receiving low ratings, Yu Dong dismissed the negative reviews, stating that those who gave the film a one-star rating were "黑水" (a Chinese term roughly translating to "water army" or "trolls"). This remark sparked an intense debate among netizens, with some defending Yu Dong's stance and others criticizing his refusal to acknowledge potential shortcomings in the film.

31 January 2025
On social media platforms, users shared their diverse opinions on the matter. Some, like [小草莓唯粉兼爱much], argued that while giving a one-star rating might be an exaggeration, Yu Dong should reflect on the reasons behind such ratings instead of simply attributing them to "黑水". Others, such as [垚開心呀], jokingly suggested that Yu Dong should thank those who gave one-star ratings, as they might have actually watched the movie, potentially increasing its visibility.
Furthermore, some viewers, like [Pim有颗小太阳], expressed that although the film might not have met high standards, a one-star rating was unfair. They shared their positive experience watching the movie, describing it as "燃很好看" (exciting and enjoyable). Another user, [江韩JH], posed a question about whether it was fair to give a low rating to a movie based on the personal life of its lead actor, sparking a discussion about the separation of an actor's personal and professional life.
In addition, fans like [一路生花呀呀呀] provided a detailed analysis of the film, comparing it to another movie, "Red Sea Action". They highlighted the unique aspects of "The Rescue", such as its depiction of underwater warfare and the introduction to nuclear submarines. Although they noted some flaws, such as an imbalance between dramatic and action scenes, they praised the film's educational value and thrilling sequences.
The quality of the movie "The Rescue" has been a subject of debate among netizens. While some fans, such as [杜杜梅梅薇薇], praised the film, saying it's "very good to watch" and that those who gave it a one-star rating are likely "black fans" (a term used to describe people who intentionally leave negative reviews), others have expressed more nuanced opinions. [扒圈小记] noted that while the movie is "not bad," a one-star rating is "not deserved," and that the film's production quality and cast are "worthy of recognition."
Some viewers, like [Pim有颗小太阳], felt that the movie, although not perfect, did not warrant a one-star rating, and that it was "exciting and good to watch." [一路生花呀呀呀] provided a more detailed analysis, stating that the movie's underwater battle scenes were "thrilling" and that the film provided a unique perspective on submarine warfare. However, they also noted that the balance between dramatic and action scenes was off, and that the acting was sometimes overshadowed by the special effects.
Not all netizens agreed with the notion that those who gave the movie a one-star rating were "black fans." [小草莓唯粉兼爱much] pointed out that simply dismissing negative reviews as "black water" (a term used to describe intentional sabotage) without considering the reasons behind them might not be constructive, and that the filmmakers should reflect on the criticisms to improve their work in the future. This diversity of opinions highlights the complexity of evaluating a movie's quality and the importance of considering multiple perspectives.
Some netizens, like [杜杜梅梅薇薇] and [Pim有颗小太阳], agree that the one-star reviews are harsh and possibly unfair, suggesting that the movie's quality does not warrant such low ratings. They imply that these negative reviews might indeed be from "黑子" (black fans or trolls), as Yu Dong suggests.
On the other hand, netizens like [小草莓唯粉兼爱much] and [一点儿不爱吃香菜] call for a more balanced approach. They suggest that upon receiving one-star reviews, Yu Dong should reflect on why viewers might have given such low ratings instead of immediately attributing them to "黑水". This indicates a desire for fairness and a willingness to consider constructive criticism.
Netizens also discuss the role of Douban, a popular Chinese social networking site, in evaluating a movie's quality. While some argue that a movie's quality should not be solely judged by Douban ratings, others see these ratings as a meaningful measure of public opinion. [垚開心呀] humorously suggests that even negative reviews can serve as a form of publicity, introducing the movie to a wider audience.
The controversy surrounding Yu Dong's statement and the subsequent debate among netizens reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of movie criticism and the impact of personal biases on reception. As the discussion continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the relationship between filmmakers, audiences, and critics in the digital age.
In the midst of this debate, the call for fairness and a more thoughtful approach to judgment is clear. Netizens urge Yu Dong to embrace a balanced perspective, recognizing the value in all feedback, whether positive or negative, and to move beyond the simplistic attribution of negative reviews to malicious intent. Furthermore, there's a recognition that while online platforms like Douban offer insights into public opinion, they should not be the sole determinant of a movie's quality or success. By fostering a culture of constructive critique and open dialogue, both filmmakers and audiences can benefit from a richer, more nuanced understanding of the cinematic experience.
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