The Film Emperor

My Thoughts on The Film Emperor

"The Film Emperor" promised a light-hearted dive into the entertainment industry with a fanboy MC chasing after his idol, and for the most part, it delivered. This novel is a completed original work, currently undergoing translation, and sits at a respectable 4.1/5 rating, so I went in with fairly high hopes. Here's my take on it.

First Impressions

The premise is undeniably cute. Jiang Chi, our MC, is a dedicated fan of Film Emperor Ye Lan and manages to land a role in his gay arthouse film, "Scum." The story unfolds from there, charting their interactions and budding romance. It felt like a fun, potentially fluffy read, and I was eager to see how their relationship developed.

What Works Well

The characters are definitely a highlight. Jiang Chi, despite being introverted, isn't a pushover. He knows what he wants and goes for it, which I appreciated. Ye Lan, on the other hand, is a playful and teasing ML who enjoys watching Jiang Chi get flustered. Their dynamic is entertaining, with Ye Lan’s "daddy" jokes and media antics adding a layer of humor. Many readers found the story to be fairly fast-paced, focusing on the romance and character interactions more than industry drama. The lack of heavy, angsty drama appealed to me; it's a relatively smooth sailing story. It's a story about a fan silently loving his idol from afar, getting a chance to see him up close, some coincidences making the ML notice him and becoming itchy to tease him, slowly getting to know him through trouble and realizing his feelings, then chasing the MC.

Areas of Concern

While the story is generally well-received, some readers felt the ending was a bit abrupt and complex compared to the simpler narrative that preceded it. I can see how that might be jarring. I also noticed that some felt the story lacked depth, especially regarding the reception of the film "Scum." It would have been nice to see the aftermath and impact of their work on screen. The "villain" was also considered to be a non-entity.

Final Verdict

"The Film Emperor" is a charming and cute story, perfect for those looking for a light and fluffy read with minimal drama. While the ending and lack of focus on the entertainment industry itself might leave some wanting more, the engaging characters and sweet romance make it an enjoyable experience overall. If you're a fan of entertainment industry novels with a focus on character interactions and romance, this might be right up your alley.