Why Chinese Movies Are So Bad: Full Guide

Hey there, movie buffs and popcorn pals! 🍿🎥 Ever wondered why some folks have been scratching their heads over Chinese modern movies?

Buckle up for a ride as we unveil the secrets behind these not-so-popular flicks! From curious cultural clashes to adventurous artistic choices, we’ll navigate through the maze of reasons that leave audiences raising an eyebrow.

Why Chinese Movies Are So Bad?

Lack of Originality: Many Chinese movies are criticized for lacking originality and relying on imitation. The filmmakers often try to recreate the sensation of watching Hollywood films rather than developing their own unique storytelling style and identity.

Identity Crisis: There is a perceived identity crisis in Chinese cinema. The rapid economic growth and globalization in China have led to a loss of cultural identity and a desire to conform to Western standards. Chinese blockbusters attempt to mimic Hollywood movies, resulting in knock-off films that lack a distinct Chinese voice.

Emulating Western Cinema: Chinese films often try to replicate the success of Western films, particularly Hollywood, by adopting similar plots, visual effects, and storytelling techniques. This emphasis on imitation rather than innovation can lead to a lack of originality and quality in Chinese movies. (2 Exampels are set below.)

Chinese folks have a special talent for copying not just movies, but also famouse brands, putting their unique twist on everything they create!

Lack of Compelling Stories: With the expansion of the film industry in China, more people have the opportunity to make movies. However, not everyone has a compelling story to tell. The focus on commercial success and profit sometimes overshadows the importance of meaningful storytelling and creative expression.

Technical and Creative Limitations: Some Chinese movies have been criticized for their technical shortcomings, such as poor CGI or incoherent storytelling. These limitations may stem from a lack of experience or resources in certain aspects of filmmaking.

Chinese Cars Movie Knockoff

“The Autobots” is considered a Chinese knock-off of Pixar’s “Cars” due to the following similarities and copying of elements:

1. English Title: “The Autobots” adopts a similar English title to Pixar’s “Cars,” using the term “Autobots,” which is strongly associated with the “Transformers” franchise. This title choice seems intended to capitalize on the success and recognition of both “Transformers” and “Cars.”
2. Character Design: “The Autobots” shamelessly copies the anthropomorphic car character designs from Pixar’s “Cars.” The main characters in “The Autobots” are smart cars with personalities and characteristics similar to those of the cars in “Cars.”
3. Poster Resemblance: The poster for “The Autobots” bears more resemblance to the poster of “Cars 2” than to the actual content of the film. This deliberate choice of poster design further emphasizes the attempt to mimic the visuals of the successful Pixar movie.
4. Chinese Title: The Chinese title of “The Autobots” is also inspired by “Cars,” likely to strengthen the association with the beloved Pixar film and attract Chinese audiences who may already be familiar with the title “Cars.”
5. Racing Theme: Both “The Autobots” and “Cars” center around racing themes. In “Cars,” the characters are anthropomorphic race cars, and in “The Autobots,” the characters are racing cars competing in a championship.

Chinese Top Gun Movie

The Chinese movie “Born to Fly” seems to draw inspiration and similarities from the iconic Hollywood movie “Top Gun.” Here are some ways it appears to copy elements from “Top Gun”:

1. Fighter Pilot Theme: Both movies revolve around the lives of fighter pilots, highlighting their training, camaraderie, and aerial combat skills.
2. Maverick-like Protagonist: Similar to Maverick in “Top Gun,” “Born to Fly” likely features a charismatic and skilled protagonist who challenges the status quo and excels in the cockpit.
3. Dogfighting Scenes: Just like “Top Gun,” “Born to Fly” is likely to showcase intense dogfighting sequences, where the pilots engage in thrilling aerial battles.
4. Aerial Cinematography: Both movies are expected to feature stunning aerial cinematography, capturing the excitement and intensity of flying fighter jets.
5. Military Rivalry: In both films, there’s probably a theme of military rivalry and competition, where the protagonists strive to prove themselves as the best among their peers.
6. Tragic Event Involving a Two-Seater Jet: The mention of a two-seater plane and a tragic event in the trailer of “Born to Fly” mirrors the heartbreaking loss of Maverick’s co-pilot, Goose, in “Top Gun.”
7. Nationality as Antagonists: While “Top Gun” featured the Soviet Union as the antagonists, “Born to Fly” seems to cast the Chinese as the adversaries, possibly reflecting the different geopolitical contexts.
8. Patriotism and State Propaganda: Like “Top Gun” showcasing American pride, “Born to Fly” may incorporate elements of Chinese patriotism and state propaganda, promoting the nation’s military prowess.

Why is Chinese CGI so Bad？

Audience Priorities: Many Chinese audiences do not prioritize high-quality CGI in local productions. They may not care as much about visual effects, and thus, there is less demand for top-notch CGI in domestic films and shows.

Limited Investment: Due to the lack of demand, creators and producers may not invest as much time and budget into CGI, resulting in lower quality visuals.

Chabuduo Attitude: The “chabuduo” (meaning “close enough” or “good enough”) attitude prevalent in some areas of Chinese culture can also be reflected in the CGI industry. This mindset can lead to a lack of attention to detail and a willingness to settle for subpar work. LEARN MORE

Lack of Planning: Some comments suggest that there might be a lack of proper planning in CGI scenes, leading to rushed and incomplete animations.

Limited Experience: China’s CGI industry is relatively young compared to Hollywood, which has decades of experience. The lack of experienced artists and animation directors can affect the overall quality of CGI.

Narrow-minded Creators: Some Chinese directors may be less visually imaginative than their Western counterparts, affecting the overall vision and creativity in the CGI used.

Budget Constraints: Budget limitations can hinder the production of high-quality CGI, as a significant portion of the budget may go towards paying actors rather than investing in visual effects.

Limited Talent Pool: Finding and training skilled CGI artists can be a challenge, especially if there is a stigma associated with non-traditional art in the country.

Technological Catch-up: The CGI industry is rapidly evolving, and if veteran artists don’t keep up with the latest technologies, it can hinder the quality of their work.

Cultural Factors: Some comments mention that there might be cultural factors affecting the level of interest in special effects or science fiction genres in China, leading to a reduced emphasis on CGI quality.

Why are Chinese Movies not Popular in the US？

1. Production Standards: Hollywood has a well-established and efficient production process with standardized scriptwriting formats, leading to smoother and higher-quality films. In contrast, Chinese filmmaking lacks such standardized processes, which can result in less efficient and more confusing productions.
2. Work-Life Balance: Hollywood crews have mandatory breaks during production, allowing for a more relaxed and efficient working schedule. However, many Chinese film crews do not provide sufficient rest time, potentially impacting the quality of their movies.
3. Content Diversity: Hollywood movies often feature diverse and engaging stories that appeal to global audiences. In contrast, many Chinese films focus on domestic themes and elements, making it harder to attract foreign viewers.
4. Global Acceptance: Hollywood films have a high degree of global acceptance due to their mature and well-developed industry, as well as the diverse and interesting stories they tell. Chinese movies, while technically improving, still face challenges in crafting Chinese stories that resonate with international audiences.
5. Limited Blockbusters: There are few Chinese movies that have become blockbusters in foreign markets, possibly because they tend to focus on domestic stories that may not have broad international appeal.

To gain popularity in the US and other foreign markets, Chinese filmmakers need to focus on creating engaging and diverse stories that can resonate with a global audience, while also adopting more efficient production practices.

FAQs:

Why do some people think modern Chinese movies are not as good as older classics?

Some people prefer older Chinese classics due to nostalgia, cultural shifts, and perceived commercialization in modern cinema.

How do language and cultural differences impact the perception of Chinese movies by international audiences?

Language barriers and cultural differences impact international audiences’ understanding and appreciation of Chinese movies, affecting dialogue, humor, aesthetics, and cultural representation.