Editor’s Note: The television series Heaven Above, directed and produced by Zhou Huan and written by Lu Tianming, is currently being re-aired daily at 21:00 on the "Classics Revisited" channel, with two episodes back-to-back. This anti-corruption themed work reveals the complexity and difficulty of the anti-corruption struggle through its profound thematic undertones and robust artistic expression, while also promoting righteousness in the world.
The series won the third prize for long-length television series at the 15th China TV "Feitian Awards." Below, we present the creative explanations of screenwriter Lu Tianming and director Zhou Huan, sharing their artistic intentions, commitments, and pursuits, to help viewers understand how this challenging work touches audiences with its sincerity.
Heaven Above poster
True Heart for the People is the Only Lifeline of the Work
● Lu Tianming, Screenwriter of Heaven Above
Between August and September of 1993, I received an "order" from the leadership: to create a main melody work for the China Television Production Center. This marked the beginning of a long and arduous creative journey. Unexpectedly, an early version in novel and stage play form gained unprecedented attention and acclaim in places like Shanghai, leading the Beijing Film Studio to plan a film adaptation, providing me with significant comfort.
Realistic themes are challenging, and contemporary issues within those themes are even tougher, especially when they confront pressing societal problems. The difficulty lies in grasping the "degree." By "degree," I mean the need to be "real" and whether one dares to be "truthful." "Truth" is the primary essence of this "degree." Without truth, you lose your foundational basis; what is there to discuss about "degree"? In particular, when addressing societal problems, if the writing is vague and ambiguous, the common people will be repulsed. We must genuinely focus on what troubles the public most and pay attention to their aspirations and hopes.
Of course, the essence of "truth" is striving for a better tomorrow than today and a brighter future than the present. We should dismantle the evils of life while cherishing all that is good and beautiful in our world. Our goal is to call for and declare the brilliance of sunlight, and we certainly do not shy away from the hardships and challenges that lie ahead. If we avoid these truths, the public will say we are being deceptive or evasive. If the public feels we are fabricating, it might be better not to write about such topics at all.
Therefore, the key point is to make the public believe that we sincerely care for them, as this is the work's only lifeline. Although there are many aspects that are not yet satisfactory, I sincerely hope that everyone likes Heaven Above, because it indeed pulses with a warm, passionate, and honest heart.
Still from Heaven Above
To Be Heartfelt is Touching, To Be Genuine is Shocking
● Zhou Huan, Producer and Director of Heaven Above
Throughout my years of creating television dramas, I have always felt a sense of urgency: as a director, how can I present the most genuine and touching life stories, rich in impact, through television imagery, allowing the audience to resonate with the existing realities of life and society while reflecting on social issues in their own way? I believe that after experiencing the major transformations in political, economic, cultural, and historical issues over five thousand years, the Chinese need to introspect on the lives they have built.
Avoiding Formulaic Creation, Moving Audiences with the Authenticity of the Story
The creative backdrop of Heaven Above spans vast time and space, with intricate and grand concepts that unveil social issues amid the tide of modern economic reform, emphasizing that "without anti-corruption, there will be doom." It also reveals the social roots of corruption—interpersonal relationships governed by feudal consciousness.
I aim to fully showcase the central theme of this play through the performances of the actors and psychological portrayals of characters. As the cases unfold, those who appear dignified and upright will show increasing inner turmoil. In contrast, the honest, kind-hearted cadres with strong aspirations for their country and people will stand out amidst the unpredictable plot, highlighting the beauty of humanity, and provide audiences with powerful shock and inspiration through the important auditory structure of music.
I believe some television dramas have fallen into a "poor model," where these formulaic works fail to deliver significant emotional impact and resonance. I do not want to lead audiences into a personal emotional inequality; rather, I wish to present authentic moments sequentially, unveiling the story's nuanced suspense and gripping drama, enabling viewers to make their own choices and judgments along with the unfolding plot and atmosphere.
This way, my personal style and emotions become intertwined with the audience, and my sincerity in creation and beautiful wishes for life continuously permeate the development of the story to the viewers.
Departments Working Together, Striving for Sincerity, Simplicity, and Naturalness
The ultimate success of the series depends on the collaboration among various departments, such as cinematography, sound recording, and art, as it is, after all, a composite art form. I only hope the camera can capture each vital plot point with the sharpness and accuracy of the audience’s eye, presenting a beautiful picture within the viewer’s visual experience in a natural and seamless manner.
Lighting should strive for natural effects without leaving traces. By utilizing cool tones, the tension of the unfolding story should be accentuated, enhancing the inner characterization of the characters. In terms of setting, every prop's placement and the color of each scene should reflect character traits and the spirit of the era, allowing the audience to feel the atmosphere of life and a sense of mystery.
Costumes and makeup should pursue as much realism as possible, while also reflecting the characteristics of the characters themselves, enabling actors to more authentically embody their roles visually, thereby enhancing their portrayal. The success of the creation largely relies on the actors’ understanding and genuine representation of their characters. Each character possesses a tragic and coincidental action shaped by their social background, so we should treat expressing characters as revealing humanity, striving for sincerity, simplicity, and naturalness.
Appendix: "A Brief Discussion on Heaven Above,” Author: Lu Tianming, China Television, Issue 11, 1995
"Director's Commentary on Heaven Above," Author: Zhou Huan, China Television, Issue 3, 1996
