'So bad it's good': Rough animated film becomes surprise Chinese hit
The film, made by a mother and son, follows the journey of a calf named Niu Lai and was crafted frame by frame over five years, local media reported, with the duo also composing original scores for the end credits.
A low-budget Chinese animated film, Niu Lai: Here Comes the Cow, defied expectations by becoming a viral hit despite its crude visuals and awkward dialogue. The film, created over five years by a mother and son, follows the journey of a calf named Niu Lai and earned around 7,000 yuan in its opening week before surging to 33.06 million yuan at the Chinese box office.
American musician Caelan Moriarty found the film "so bad that it's so good," praising its heart and human touch. The movie's unpolished style quickly garnered attention on social media, with fans embracing its imperfections. Student Stella Xing, who saw the film in Beijing, found humor in Niu Lai's stiff 3D character and awkward dialogue.
Despite its rough edges, Niu Lai's popularity highlights a preference for unique, imperfect productions in China. Online retailers rushed to produce Niu Lai-themed merchandise, including T-shirts and figurines. Professors and experts noted the refreshing contrast between Niu Lai's roughness and polished blockbusters, suggesting the film's appeal lies in its authenticity.
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