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I think China just taught a lesson about AI that US audiences really should learn
A rudimentary Chinese animated film, *Niu Lai*, reportedly drew audiences after its family-made origins became known, while China’s first theatrical AI film, *Sanxingdui: Future Past*, struggled at the box office. The article argues that audiences value the human effort and story behind a film, raising questions about claims that Chinese viewers are especially enthusiastic about AI entertainment.
*Niu Lai* earned about $9 million despite having a nearly non-existent budget, according to the article. *Sanxingdui: Future Past* cost a reported $1.5 million and grossed about $100,000. The writer also points to Laika’s stop-motion film *Wildwood*, which received strong reactions but had yet to pass $70 million worldwide, below its undisclosed budget.
In short
- *Niu Lai* earned about $9 million after its family-made story drew attention.
- China’s first theatrical AI film reportedly grossed about $100,000.
- *Wildwood* won strong reactions but remained below $70 million worldwide.
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The case for
The contrast suggests audiences may value the human labour, personal story and emotional connection behind a film, not simply the novelty of AI. Niu Lai’s reported success, alongside the weak box office for Sanxingdui: Future Past, gives reason to question claims that Chinese viewers are especially drawn to AI entertainment; Wildwood’s reported earnings also show that visibly handcrafted work can attract admiration even when its commercial returns are limited.
The case against
The examples are too few and too different to establish that audiences prefer human-made films or reject AI entertainment. Niu Lai’s family-made origins may have generated publicity, while the films’ stories, marketing, release conditions and budgets could all have affected their results; Wildwood’s box office likewise cannot isolate the appeal of stop-motion. The cases therefore leave open whether AI films could succeed with stronger storytelling, promotion or audience fit.