The Epoch Times, May 02, 2024
The anti-Japanese film “Kung Fu Ping Pong” released on April 29 in mainland China’s “May Day” lineup has faced a dismal reception at the box office. The film, which only managed to garner 6,615 yuan and 192 moviegoers on its first day, saw a drastic drop in ticket sales on the second day, earning a mere 38 yuan. Netizens have mockingly dubbed it a “one-day theater movie” in response to its poor performance.
In a surprising move, the producers of “Kung Fu Ping Pong” have opted to launch the film on Tencent’s online platform after its lackluster theatrical run. This decision has cemented the film’s status as the worst-performing new release of this year’s “May Day” movie lineup.
“Kung Fu Ping Pong,” which was originally shot in 2018 but remained unseen for six years, boasted a star-studded cast including prime supporting actors from Stephen Chow’s films. Despite its intriguing premise of martial arts masters using table tennis to defeat the Japanese during the Republic of China era, the film failed to resonate with audiences.
While some viewers drew parallels between “Kung Fu Ping Pong” and Chow’s “Shaolin Soccer,” others criticized the film for lacking the courage to delve deeper into its anti-Japanese narrative. Industry insiders have cited various reasons, including the challenging macroeconomic environment, for the lackluster performance of new films during this year’s “May Day” holiday, with “Kung Fu Ping Pong” emerging as the clear loser.
Directed by Zhao Ming and starring mainland female singer Lu Yi, Taiwanese actor Zhang Liwei, and Hong Kong star Lin Zicong, “Kung Fu Ping Pong” has failed to make a mark in the competitive Chinese film market.
As audiences continue to debate the misspent potential of “Kung Fu Ping Pong,” it remains clear that the film’s journey from promising concept to box office failure serves as a cautionary tale in the ever-evolving landscape of Chinese cinema.
Editor in charge: Ye Ziwei