Is all of this real?
Yes. ¥342 day one, ¥7,169 over 9 days, 168 screenings overnight, 359 the next day, ¥180k single-day, ¥1.5M total, a ~1000× rally — all documented in press reports. Reality out-wrote the script.
How bad is the animation, really?
Bad. Universally agreed. But as the internet said: 'it's SO bad I simply must taste the salt.' The film was never selling visuals — it was selling the joy the visuals produce.
Was it really made by only two people?
Director Xin Yumeng (also writer, voice actor, producer… almost everything) and his mother, co-writer Sun Lifang, spent five years hand-crafting the whole feature. Their company: ¥100k capital, one insured employee, formerly a renovation firm.
Where can I watch Niu Lai?
In mainland Chinese cinemas (check Maoyan/Taopiaopiao for showtimes). This site hosts no pirated copies — support the bull's legitimate box office.
Will there be a sequel?
The production company used to do renovations — maybe the next one will be 'Niu Lai 2: Deluxe Edition'. Before that, let this bull finish its run. 🐂