《脱缰者也》，拍脱缰了？

Core Viewpoint - The film "脱缰者也" (The Untamed) by director Cao Baoping, part of the "者也" series, has been released after a nine-year hiatus, but it has received mixed reviews and underwhelming box office performance [1][5][6]. Group 1: Film Overview - "脱缰者也" continues the series' blend of black humor and regional dialects, with a shift in focus from crime to comedy [2][3]. - The film is set in Tianjin and features local dialect and actors, emphasizing its regional identity [4]. - The initial box office performance was disappointing, with less than 5% of screenings and a first-day revenue of over 3 million yuan, with total projections under 20 million yuan [6][7]. Group 2: Themes and Storyline - The film explores themes of family dynamics and the impact of financial interests on relationships, particularly through the lens of a family torn apart by a demolition compensation of 800,000 yuan [9][10]. - The protagonist, Ma Fei, returns home after years away, burdened by debt and seeking to claim the compensation money to settle his loans [13]. - The narrative includes a farcical kidnapping plot that arises from family tensions and individual agendas, highlighting the absurdity of their situation [14][15]. Group 3: Character Dynamics - The film portrays complex family relationships, with each sibling having their own struggles and motivations regarding the inheritance [11][12]. - Ma Fei's troubled past and strained relationships with his family members are central to the story, reflecting on themes of guilt and misunderstanding [16][19]. - The character of Xiao Liu, who complicates the kidnapping plot, serves as a catalyst for the story's escalation, but his motivations are seen as lacking depth [38][39]. Group 4: Reception and Critique - The film's comedic elements overshadow the darker themes typically present in Cao Baoping's previous works, leading to a perceived lack of narrative depth [21][35]. - Critics note that the absurdity of the kidnapping plot detracts from the film's overall logic and emotional resonance, resulting in a less convincing story [44][45]. - The film attempts to blend absurdity with warmth, but this approach has been met with skepticism regarding its effectiveness in maintaining the series' original tone [45].