Zhang's final cut of 'Under the Light' was hailed for its vibrant urban atmosphere, featuring a cast of esteemed Chinese actors such as Zhang Guoli, Yu Hewei, Lei Jiayin, Zhou Dongyu, and Joan Chen. It went on to gross 1.35 billion yuan (US$188 million), becoming the box office champion for the holiday season and ranking among the top 10 highest-grossing films of 2023. 'Under the Light' faced delays but eventually premiered during the National Day holiday on Sept.

Their subsequent collaborations, 'Snipers' and 'Full River Red,' were released in 2022 and early 2023, respectively. 'Under the Light,' in production since 2017, was the first project on which Chen collaborated with Zhang. It's also my foray into writing a suspense novel.'Ī poster for 'Under the Light.' I believe this novel will offer a fulfilling and expansive experience for fans of the film. 'Literature and motion pictures are two different art forms, so I understand director Zhang's choices of what to include or exclude,' the writer said. Moreover, the policewoman's fate differs from that in the film. He highlighted that in the novel, the relationship between the two young police officers, depicted as lovers, is given more depth, and their characters are more thoroughly developed. Īt the book launch event, Chen expressed his hope that the novel would enrich the story and delve deeper into plot elements that director Zhang Yimou couldn't explore in the film.

Screenplay writer Chen Yu speaks at a book launch event for his new book 'Under the Light' in Beijing, Jan. This practice is rare, as novels typically precede their film adaptations. Renowned screenwriter Chen Yu defied conventions by releasing his new novel 'Under the Light' this past Sunday in Beijing, an adaptation of the hit 2023 anti-corruption film of the same name.

Poster font size