Following the massive success of the Chinese 3D animated film "Journey to the West: The Demigod Returns" (大聖帰来), released this July and based on the classic "Journey to the West," Chinese animation is being reevaluated after previously being overshadowed by foreign productions. While challenges like talent shortages and funding difficulties persist, more companies are recognizing the industry's high potential as a business opportunity.
Word of the film's "high production quality" spread immediately upon release. Its cumulative box office revenue reached 960 million yuan (approximately 18.5 billion yen), surpassing the domestic records of American films like "Kung Fu Panda 2" (released May 2011, 620 million yuan) and Japanese films like "STAND BY ME Doraemon" (released May 2015, ¥530 million), to become the highest-grossing domestic animated film ever.
A Japanese man living in Shanghai who saw it in theaters said, "The attention to detail, including the music, gives it a completely different impression from previous domestic animations. It has dispelled the negative image of low quality."
According to reports like 21st Century Business Herald, domestic animated films released between 2000 and 2008 numbered only 18. However, between 2009 and 2015, this figure expanded to 157 films—an approximately eightfold increase. Some estimates suggest domestic animated films now account for over 50% of China's film market.
However, challenges remain. A film industry insider argues, "Prejudice against domestic animation makes it difficult to attract top talent, and many companies struggle to secure sufficient funding." Regarding "Monkey King: Hero Is Back," talent and investors left during production, causing it to take eight years to complete. This business environment is also cited as a factor slowing the development of the domestic animation market.
