Overview
- The film opened in mainland China earlier this month and drew widespread attention after viewers criticized its crude-looking animation and rough production.
- Initial box-office receipts were extremely low, with reported opening-day takings of ¥3,420 and a first-week total near ¥5,587.
- Repeated trending on Weibo drove public attention that lifted sales, and industry data from 灯塔专业版 shows cumulative box office has climbed above ¥3 million with a realtime figure reported at ¥2 million.
- Director 信雨萌 posted a public response to the online debate saying she has achieved her original wish for the project and defending the film’s creative intent.
- The film’s story follows a newborn prairie calf and a lark and centers on growth, courage, sacrifice, and the boundary between dream and reality, and the case underscores how social-media buzz can materially change outcomes for small releases.