As some of you may have already surmised, Guo Jingming and Yu Zheng’s woes are far from over despite the lengthy apologies both separately issued last week. Regardless of their apologies, it seems the industry is pretty serious about its crackdown against plagiarism. On January 4, fans were reeling with shock and dismay following the unfortunate news that The Yin Yang Master: Dream of Eternity was axed from movie theatres all over the country.
Also known as Qing Ya Ji, the movie adaptation of Baku Yumemakura’s classic Onmyōji is Guo Jingming’s newest project which hit Chinese cinemas only recently.
Of course no explanation has been specified as to why the movie starring Mark Chao and Deng Lun was pulled. However given the highly suspect timing, fans and viewers have theorised that Guo Jingming’s plagiarism issue and the possibility that he has been blacklisted in the industry is the main cause.
What happens now is the big question everyone is asking. Will he be banned from the industry forever? Is there still even a possibility for fans to see the flick? At present, the film can no longer be found on major ticketing platforms Mao Yan and Tao Piaopiao. Information about the film has also been removed and even its box office statistics have also disappeared.
And then there’s also the sequel Long Ye Qu 泷夜曲 to think about as it has yet to be aired. And, given that Netflix has just purchased the rights to broadcast The Yin Yang Master: Dream of Eternity overseas, what indeed is going to happen now?
Is Yu Zheng also Cancelled?
Meanwhile, Guo Jingming’s movie wasn’t the only casualty in this issue. Yu Zheng didn’t fare any better as his historical comedy Song of Youth 玉楼春starring Bai Lu and Wang Yizhe is rumoured to have been slapped with an indefinite air date. And that’s not the only thing. The same day he published his apology, Yu Zheng also announced he is leaving the show I am an Actor 我就是演员3 where he sits together with Zhang Ziyi as a mentor. Like Derek Tsang whose scenes were all cut following his departure from the program last month, all of Yu Zheng’s pre-recorded scenes have also been removed.
Honestly, it’s a pity things had to come to this. I can’t imagine what the actors and all the crew must be feeling right now considering all the sweat, blood and tears they all poured into these projects only to have it pulled. But plagiarism is a serious issue with serious ramifications that cannot be ignored. As many Netizens have said, this could have all been avoided had both screenwriters issued those apologies as soon as the verdict was handed down instead of waiting this long to acknowledge the issue and changed their ways.
Lulu
Good to hear they finally get what they deserve and I don’t think there’s anything too feel bad for the actors and staff crew because first, theyve already been paid for their work and second, they should have consider these issues when they first agreed to working with controversial directors.
Bunny
I have to agree, so many creators, authors, and directors have been harmed by these rampant plagiarists who got away with this for years. I’m glad they are getting the crack down they deserve, and those actors and directors can move on to projects worthy of their time and effort.
HL
I bet it is not just the long over due apology. I really cannot imagine what wiill happen to both of them. Maybe take a break and go on a holiday.
Jennifer
as much as I don’t like YZ, but TBH this is not anti plagiarism campaign, but anti plagiarism selective.
Does not apply generally in order to enforce the rules, but only to target YZ and GJM.
Lots of cheaters with plagiarism dramas/movies are left untouched, (>50% China dramas/movies were plagiarism) the popular one was Legend of Zhen Huan, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, Princess Wei Young, even the recent movie Better Days was flooded with praise & awards. in fact most of the Chinese reality / variety shows are plagiarism, and they left untouched! unfair!
If for enforcement, should applies to all!
of course this happened because both had offended powerful party.
HL
I too agree. I believe they are both on the chopping board for more reasons then just plagiarism.
Mary Miceli
I agree…it is usually a question of WHO YOU KNOW….and WHO DISLIKES YOU..Nothing new under the sun…..but I believe more than plagiarism was the reason…
neen
If I was an actor in China, the passion to create something must feel so wasted. Jeez.
jiminie
I feel bad for the actors and production crew who have to pay for Guo Jingming and Yu Zheng’s faults. From what I heard about Qing Ya Ji, the production quality and special effects were really good. It’s such a shame that the movie had to be pulled from theaters
thundergirl3
Setting aside the disappointment for the actors – all I can say is no-one and I mean no-one would ever want their work stolen. Plagiarism isn’t just about copying someone else work and claiming it as your own. It blatant daylight robbery and absolutely disrespectful.
All your hard work and someone has taken the credit for it. Believe me – it’s one of the worst feelings ever!
All I can say, the apologies have come too late. Can’t help but feel like all cheaters, an apology is only given because they have been exposed. In my view it’s insincere.
Mei
This is going to be selfish but I was looking forward to both works. I really hope the plagirism rule is applied equally because it’s unfair. Theft of your work is cruel
Seriously
Karma’s a bitch so is Yu Cheng. He is an arrogant condescending SOB, he thought he was above all and no one could touch him. The fall from the top is going to sting.