Why Chinese film-goers are flocking to a movie they hate

The animated film "Niu Lai," or "The Arrival of the Ox," has experienced a surprising surge in popularity in Chinese cinemas despite widespread criticism of its poor quality. After a dismal opening on August 5, earning only 3,420 yuan, the film's box office revenue dramatically increased over the following ten days, reaching over 11 million yuan by Monday and placing it among the top domestic animated films of the year. Reviewers have described the animation as "rough," "broken," "stiff," and "glitchy," with confusing plots and jarring voice acting. The film's unexpected success is attributed to its perceived badness, drawing viewers who flocked to see it due to its notoriety.

A low-budget Chinese film, "Niu Lai," has unexpectedly become a box office hit despite its widely criticized confusing plot and poor animation. The movie gained viral traction online, with some viewers ironically supporting it and others linking its success to hopes for a bullish stock market. Cinemas have increased screenings due to soaring demand, a move noted as unprecedented. However, state-owned Beijing News has warned that continuing to screen "Niu Lai" risks eroding audience trust by lowering standards for poorly made films.

The Chinese animation "Niu Lai, or The Arrival of the Ox," has unexpectedly become a box-office success despite widespread criticism for its "rough," "broken," and "unpolished" animation style and a confusing plot. Critics and social media users have described the film's animation as "stiff and glitchy" and the voice acting as "jarring," with some deeming the content "overly childish." The film's plot centers on a dream sequence where a calf learns about love, courage, perseverance, and sacrifice with the help of a skylark. This unlikely success has occurred amidst competition from Hollywood blockbusters like "The Odyssey" and "Spider-Man: Brand New," leading to the delay or cancellation of some high-profile Chinese film releases.