During a media event on Nov 6, Wang Kai (left), who plays Huang Kegong, talks to the audience with Cheng Taishen, who plays Lei Jingtian, the judge of Huang's murder case. Photo provided to China Daily

The director points out that a highlight in his film is the detailed portrayal of the various major characters. That was why he chose to use many close-up shots of the protagonists to give a sense of their emotions.

Still, young moviegoers may not understand its solemn tone. Scattered laughter was heard in the small preview cinema during the forum.

However, with the handsome 32-year-old actor Wang Kai playing Huang Kegong, the film may have popular appeal. After the screening, there were some young female fans lined up to present bouquets to their idol.

Wang Kai was named this year's "most cutting-edge" actor by the forum, but he modestly attributed the achievement to his rival in the film: Cheng Taishen, 43, who plays chief judge Lei Jingtian, and is best-known for his performance as a Chinese migrant to Barcelona in the Oscar-nominated Mexican-Spanish drama Biutiful (2010).

"It's hard to say if Huang Kegong is a villain, or if Lei Jingtian is an almighty hero," Cheng says. "Their characters are complicated. Lei flinched in front of the trial at first. Huang was really a hero on the battlefield, but made a big mistake when he committed the impulsive act."