Since the inception of cinema, its greatest strength has been innovation—both in storytelling and technological advancements, particularly in special effects. While technology has continued to evolve and remains robust, the same cannot be said for originality in storytelling. Over the years, fresh and groundbreaking ideas have gradually been replaced by recycled concepts, with remakes and prequels dominating the industry.

Where is the originality and creative genius once embodied by Akira Kurosawa, Michelangelo Antonioni, Andrei Tarkovsky, Orson Welles, and other pioneers of cinema? Even contemporary visionaries like Steven Spielberg, Woody Allen, and Martin Scorsese seem to be exceptions rather than the norm in today’s cinematic landscape.

I have long believed that the lack of originality stems from a new generation of directors who struggle to bring fresh perspectives to the industry. However, the reality is even more disappointing: many filmmakers have deliberately chosen the easy route—the Hollywood blockbuster formula, where box office numbers dictate success. Unlike the great directors of the 1920s to the 1960s—such as Hitchcock and Coppola—who prioritized artistic value over financial returns, today’s industry places commercial viability above all else.

What’s even more concerning is that filmmakers once known for their creativity are now shifting toward television, lured by the financial rewards of streaming platforms. As a result, the opportunities for new and artistic ideas in cinema continue to dwindle.

Let’s be honest: in a world ruled by economic uncertainty and ruthless financial pressures, filmmakers are, at the end of the day, human—they have flaws, and many prioritize financial security over artistic integrity. But to me, this is truly disheartening. If I possessed even a fraction of their talent, I would remain committed to the art of filmmaking rather than chasing profits at the box office. After all, it was the artistry of cinema that made me fall in love with it in the first place.