How Lan Hongchun’s Teochew Film ‘Dear You’ Turned a Forgotten Postal Tradition Into China’s Unlikely Hit: ‘Dialect Is Never Going to Be a Liability as Long as You Have Great Ideas’
Four people. One letter. An ocean between them. To send a letter home from Bangkok in the 1950s, an overseas Chinese laborer needed four people: himself, a scribe to put his words on paper, a reader to decode it at the destination and the person waiting to hear it read aloud. Lan
Lan Hongchun's film 'Dear You' has captured the hearts of audiences in China, and it's not hard to see why. By shining a light on a forgotten postal tradition, Lan has not only created a unique and captivating story but also tapped into a deep sense of nostalgia and cultural heritage. The film's use of the Teochew dialect, a language spoken by a significant minority in China, is a bold move that has clearly paid off.
The success of 'Dear You' speaks to a larger trend in the Chinese film industry, where there's a growing appetite for stories that showcase regional cultures and languages. With the rise of streaming platforms and social media, Chinese audiences are increasingly looking for content that resonates with their own experiences and backgrounds. Lan's film is a prime example of how embracing dialect and local traditions can be a winning formula, rather than a liability.
As the Chinese film industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how 'Dear You' influences future projects. Will we see more films and TV shows featuring regional dialects and cultural traditions? One thing to watch is how Lan Hongchun's success inspires other filmmakers to take risks and explore new stories. With the Chinese market becoming increasingly competitive, innovative storytelling and a focus on cultural authenticity will be key to standing out – and 'Dear You' is a shining example of how to get it right.
Originally reported by variety.com. DecoNews adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.