‘So bad it’s good’: Rough animated film Niu Lai becomes surprise Chinese hit
A low-budget Chinese animated film that was widely mocked for its crude visuals became a viral hit, with people packing cinemas to see just how bad it is. “Niu Lai”, which translates to “Here Comes the Cow”, earned around 7,000 yuan ($1,000) in its opening week from August 5, before surging to 33.06 million yuan […]
The low-budget Chinese animated film Niu Lai, which translates to "Here Comes the Cow," began as a crude and mocked project but has since become a surprise viral hit. The film, created by a mother and son over five years, tells the story of calf Niu Lai and earned around 7,000 yuan ($1,000) in its opening week. It quickly surged to 33.06 million yuan ($4.92 million) at the Chinese box office.
The movie's unpolished style, stiff 3D characters, and awkward dialogue have captivated audiences, with fans embracing its imperfections. The film's success has led to a surge in merchandise, including T-shirts, figurines, and boxer shorts. Critics have praised the film's roughness and absurdity as part of its appeal, comparing it to eating refined grains and then enjoying some coarse grains for a change.
The film's success highlights the popularity of animated films in China, with one expert noting that it offers a refreshing contrast to more polished productions.
Written by urgent.news from Hong Kong Free Press - China's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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