Chinese Communist Party-Themed Film “Zero” Bombs at Box Office, Only Earns 143 Yuan on First Day
On April 5, 2024, The Epoch Times reported on the dismal performance of the Chinese Communist Party-themed movie “Zero” on its first day of release. Starring Wu Jing and with a production cost of over 100 million yuan, the film only managed to collect a measly 143 yuan at the box office, making it the worst-performing film during the Qingming Festival in mainland China.
Originally scheduled for release in 2021 as a “gift” for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, “Zero” tells the story of skier Ling Feng, played by Han Geng, who experiences a career slump after an accident and rediscovers himself in his hometown. Despite numerous rescheduling efforts and a focus on Wu Jing in the trailer, the film failed to attract audiences, with only 4 viewers across the country attending screenings on the first day.
Critics and netizens have panned the film for its cliched storyline, rough production quality, and what they see as the misuse of star power. Some have compared its lackluster performance to Wu Jing’s recent appearances in films like “China Ping Pong: Jedi Counterattack” and “Dragon Horse Spirit,” attributing the failures to the film’s “containing Beijing content.”
While Wu Jing has been touted as a “box office guarantee” by Chinese Communist Party officials for his roles in patriotic films like “Wolf Warrior” and “The Wandering Earth,” analysts believe that his success may be more a result of CCP propaganda than genuine audience interest. Some even criticize his films for promoting violence, blurring the lines between party and state, and being offensive.
With industry experts predicting that “Zero” is unlikely to surpass one million yuan at the box office, the film’s chances of recouping its production costs appear slim. In contrast, other films like “The Heron and the Boy” by Hayao Miyazaki and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” have performed well during the Qingming period, grossing nearly 100 million and 475 million yuan, respectively, in their first week of release.
As audiences continue to show support for other films at the box office, the fate of “Zero” remains uncertain in the competitive Chinese film market.
Editor in Charge: Yang Ming