From a 2021 script filing to a 1000× rally — a chart even Hollywood would reject.
Niu Lai's script was officially filed for record. Nobody knew this film would, five years later, redefine both the floor and the ceiling of a summer box-office season.
The film received its public-screening permit (No. 2024-33). Technical review covers projection safety and stability only — 'the review does not judge whether the film is well made.' The production company was formerly an interior-renovation firm.
Fewer than 5 screenings nationwide. No trailer blitz, no marketing — just one ink-wash poster. Quiet enough to hear the 3D models clipping. The historical bottom was in.
Cumulative gross after 9 days: ¥7,169, with 236 total viewers. On day 10, press reported ¥7,705. The internet's mockery began: 'PowerPoint-level', 'a school kid made this', 'disaster-grade visuals'. Mockery became fuel.
The internet collectively decided a film this bad 'must be tasted'. Curiosity buying ignited: nationwide screenings jumped overnight from under 5 to 168.
Cinemas in Beijing, Guangzhou and Nanjing voluntarily ADDED late-night shows; some sold out. Douban's real-time heat chart: No.3. A cinema worker admitted it was outselling Nolan's 'Odyssey'. Total passed ¥1.5M — roughly 1,000× the bottom.
The conversation flipped from mockery to respect and curiosity; overseas onlookers began watching the 'oriental so-bad-it's-good miracle'. This site keeps documenting the ride.