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Chinese animated film “The Arrival of the Ox” turns into a meme hit
After premiering Aug. 5 with modest early ticket sales, viral in-cinema clips drove Niu Lai to more than 21 million yuan at the Aug. 18 point, with Maoyan projecting a 135 million yuan total box office.
SCMP Economy reports that the Chinese animated film Niu Lai, also known as The Arrival of the Ox, premiered on Aug. 5 and quickly became a cultural flashpoint as viewers mocked its rudimentary visuals.
According to the outlet, early box office receipts were limited, with the film grossing just over 7,000 yuan in its first 10 days, as ticket prices averaged 26 yuan.
The film’s fortunes shifted after audience members recorded screenings and posted clips online, spreading rapidly on mainland social media. The viral attention reframed perceived flaws as meme-worthy moments and also encouraged some viewers to buy tickets, SCMP Economy said.
By Aug. 18, Niu Lai had amassed more than 21 million yuan, and the Chinese ticketing platform Maoyan Professional projected a total box office of 135 million yuan, the outlet reported.