Hot and Sour": Chinese Comedy-Drama Sparks Debate on Quality and Social Impact After Entering Top 20 Box Office List

The Chinese comedy-drama film "Hot and Sour" has recently made headlines after its box office sales surpassed 29 billion yuan ($4.3 billion) within ten days of its release. The film, directed by and starring renowned Chinese actress Jia Ling, has now entered the country's all-time box office top 20, taking the third spot on the list. Jia Ling's previous film, "Hello, Li Huanying," also made it into the top 20, marking the director's return to the list.

"Hot and Sour" tells the story of a young woman named Xiao Xi (played by Jia Ling) who struggles with weight issues and self-esteem. The film's central message of persevering through difficulties and believing in oneself has resonated with many Chinese viewers, particularly given the social pressures surrounding body image in the country. Jia Ling herself, who lost a significant amount of weight in her 20s, has become a symbol of resilience and determination for many.

While the film's empowering message has been celebrated, its artistic merit has been the subject of considerable debate among Chinese netizens. Some have praised the film for its ability to capture the nuances of everyday life and the struggles faced by ordinary people. On the other hand, others have criticized the film for its heavy-handed use of sentimentality and predictable plotlines.

One social media user argued, "Hot and Sour' is detached from the realities of ordinary people because, despite their daily struggles, everyone is striving to live a better life, and there's something extraordinary in each person. The suffering experienced by impoverished individuals is not limited to Jia Ling's own experiences. How can that be inspirational? And then there's the film's cinematography and storytelling, which are nothing short of trashy."

The online discussions surrounding "Hot and Sour" have also been fueled by a recent viral video featuring Feng, a college student from Zhejiang Province who once weighed over 200 pounds. After experiencing health issues, Feng decided to lose weight and managed to shed 125 pounds over the course of a year.

Amidst the controversy, Jia Ling's fashion sense has also been a topic of conversation. Her choice of a stunning yellow gown and wavy hairstyle for the film's premiere has garnered widespread praise on social media. Some users have described her appearance as both elegant and captivating.

As the debate over the film's quality continues, it seems that a significant number of viewers still find it enjoyable, with the movie's Douban rating currently sitting at 8 out of 10. Audiences have praised the film's acting, particularly Jia Ling, as well as its comedic timing.

However, several critics have argued that the film's box office success can be attributed to its marketing strategy and ability to capitalize on trending topics to draw in viewers. This sentiment has been echoed by some social media users who believe the film's inclusion in the top 20 box office list represents a dark moment in Chinese cinema history.

As the conversation around "Hot and Sour" and its impact on both the film industry and society at large continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the movie's legacy will ultimately be defined. For now, one thing is clear: Jia Ling's ability to both entertain and inspire her audience has undoubtedly cemented her status as a true force to be reckoned with in the world of Chinese cinema.

According to Maoyan, an authoritative Chinese film database, the top 10 highest-grossing Chinese films of all time are as follows:

1. "Wolf Warrior 2" - 5.69 billion yuan ($849 million)

2. "The Wandering Earth" - 4.67 billion yuan ($692 million)

3. "Hot and Sour" - 4.54 billion yuan ($675 million)

4. "Ne Zha" - 4.52 billion yuan ($673 million)

5. "Avengers: Endgame" - 4.25 billion yuan ($632 million)

6. "The Battle at Lake Changjin" - 3.91 billion yuan ($587 million)

7. "Operation Red Sea" - 3.72 billion yuan ($555 million)

8. "Operation Mekong" - 3.65 billion yuan ($545 million)

9. "Chinese Doctors" - 3.52 billion yuan ($529 million)

10. "Detective Chinatown 3" - 3.35 billion yuan ($501 million)

In addition to the box office figures, Maoyan also provides information on the number of people who want to watch the respective films and their average viewer ratings. Notably, "Hot and Sour" has a desire-to-watch count of 79.36 million people and an average viewer rating of 9.6 out of 10. This places it just ahead of "The Wandering Earth" (which has a desire-to-watch count of 60.39 million people and a rating of 9.1) and "Ne Zha" (with a desire-to-watch count of 25.16 million people and a rating of 9.1).

According to Maoyan, the top 10 highest-grossing Chinese films of all time are as follows: