'Niu Lai', the terrible Chinese animated movie that became a hit, created by a son & his mum in her 60s on 1 computer over 5 years

A surprisingly successful Chinese animated film, Niu Lai, has defied expectations and become a box office hit, despite being mocked for its low-quality visuals compared to AI-generated content. The film, created by a son and his 60s-aged mother on a single computer over five years, tells the story of a timid calf overcoming challenges and ultimately becoming a hero.

With no team or external investment, the mother-daughter duo handled every aspect of the production, from modeling and animation to editing and scoring the end credits song. The film's limited budget and lack of promotion initially garnered harsh criticism, with viewers pointing to its unpolished graphics and mediocre effects. However, curiosity-driven audiences began flocking to see the film, resulting in ticket sales surpassing 10 million yuan in a short period and even outperforming Hollywood blockbusters.

The mother-and-son team's sheer determination and unfiltered approach to filmmaking have resulted in a film that is, in essence, "purely handmade," as some viewers have started to call it.