The Mandarin and Cantonese bilingual animated film “Huang Pi: The God of Wealth Cat” premiered in Guangzhou on February 5th, ahead of its official release across China on February 10, 2024. This Premiere in Guangzhou event marked the first time the Cantonese version of the film was showcased to an audience.
During the event, the main creators of the film made appearances and interacted with the audience. To add to the festive atmosphere, three fluffy giant yellow cats danced to the music of “The God of Wealth Arrives” and gave away gold and ingots, creating an immersive experience for the audience.
The plot of the film revolves around Huang Pi, a character who takes on the appearance of a cat after causing havoc in the Heavenly Palace. The film follows Huang Pi’s journey in the mortal world and his endeavors to find a feng shui treasure land to plant a money tree in order to repay the kindness of the ancestor of the God of Wealth.
Zhang Huiting, the film’s producer, explained that the name “Huang Pi” was inspired by two mythical beasts in Chinese mythology, Teng Huang and Pi Xiu. The goal was to create a God of Wealth cat that would be more fitting for the physique of Chinese babies.
Director Guan Yang emphasized the experimental nature of the film, noting that it made bold attempts in terms of graphics, narrative, and editing, creating a “nervous” comedy animated film that defies conventional storytelling.
Producer Lu Wei described the film as a worthwhile attempt to categorize movies, with a strong sense of collage and an absurd yet engaging storyline. Initial test screenings have shown a divide in audience reception, with some viewers being greatly impressed by the film while others had their reservations.
One particularly striking aspect of the film is the scene of Huang Pi’s ascension to heaven, which drew inspiration from the “Journey to the West” mural and traditional Chinese art shapes such as flying apsaras and auspicious clouds.
As “Huang Pi: The God of Wealth Cat” prepares for its nationwide release, it promises to deliver a unique and visually compelling storytelling experience that defies conventions and embraces Chinese mythology and art.