The animated movie from China, titled Niu Lai, has unexpectedly gone viral on the internet and made its way to the domestic box office charts. Interestingly, its rise to fame is not due to an engaging storyline or impressive animation quality, but rather because it has received poor ratings.
Low Ratings Spark Online Buzz
This animated feature has garnered attention on Douban, a popular Chinese social media platform dedicated to entertainment reviews, where it holds a user rating of 5.9 based on approximately 30,000 reviews. The film has even become a symbol of internet trolling and meme culture.
Criticism of Story and Animation Quality
The movie's simplistic plot and subpar graphics have drawn sharp criticism from Chinese netizens. It tells the story of a young calf with dreams for the future, growing up alongside its family. However, the three-dimensional (3D) visuals of the film are considered far below the standards of contemporary animation in China and globally.
Niu Lai as a Cultural Meme
Recently, Niu Lai has also been repurposed in humorous memes among Chinese stock market investors. The title, which translates to "bull is coming," resonates with hopes for a bullish trend in the stock market.
Mixed Reviews: Some Find Charm in Simplicity
Despite the negative feedback, some viewers have expressed their admiration for Niu Lai, appreciating its straightforward narrative and authenticity. A portion of the audience finds it refreshing amid a sea of visually stunning films that often lack captivating stories. Others have described the film as funny and entertaining, suggesting it as a good pick for anyone in search of a light-hearted experience.
Support for Niu Lai surged after it was revealed that the film was produced by a remarkably small team. Reports indicate that director Xin Yumeng, along with his mother, Sun Lifan, dedicated around five years to complete the project. The limited resources are evident in its promotional materials.
Source: https://tekno.kompas.com/read/2026/08/21/09030097/viral-karena-dianggap-jelek-film-animasi-china-niu-lai-justru-raup-untung-besar
