A Chinese animated film called “Niulai” has become an unexpected box-office hit after drawing widespread ridicule online for its crude visuals, according to ABC News.
The film opened on Aug. 5 and earned only about 10,000 yuan, or around $1,480, in its first 10 days. On some days, it reportedly made as little as 200 yuan, making its early performance especially weak for the busy summer movie season.
But interest later picked up sharply. By Monday, the film had brought in 8.2 million yuan, or about $1.2 million, with nearly 300,000 admissions, according to the movie-tracking platform Maoyan. Its total box office has now reached 17.1 million yuan, or about $2.5 million.
Red Star News reported that the movie was made over five years by director Xin Yumeng and his mother, Sun Lifan, though The Associated Press said it could not independently verify that claim. Theater posters for the film featured a hand-drawn calf and slogans such as “Come on over if you’re into the bizarre” and “No refunds.”
Online, reactions on the Chinese review site Douban ranged from mocking to sarcastic, while some viewers said they were drawn in by the film’s oddball reputation. Others said they appreciated its simple story, with one Guangzhou teacher describing it as a rare movie that feels honest and easy to follow, according to ABC News.
