Core Viewpoint - The film "Assassination of the Novelist 2" has received mixed reviews, with its box office predictions being significantly lowered after its premiere, indicating potential financial struggles for the production [3]. Group 1: Film Overview - The theme of "Assassination of the Novelist 2" revolves around the concept of "who is the god of whom," featuring the real-life novelist Lu Kongwen and the protagonist from his novel [1]. - The film continues to explore the duality of two worlds, where the characters can influence each other's realities [11][12]. - The narrative structure involves frequent switching between the two worlds, which may confuse the audience and dilute emotional connections [14]. Group 2: Box Office and Financial Implications - The film reportedly has a production investment of 300 million, creating significant pressure to recoup costs [4]. - Initial box office figures show a decline in daily earnings, with the first day grossing approximately 80.62 million and a total of 198.49 million after two days [4]. Group 3: Production Quality and Imagination - The film has improved in production quality and imaginative elements compared to its predecessor, showcasing over 2,800 visual effect shots [22][26]. - The introduction of new characters and the concept of "dual crossing" allows for creative storytelling opportunities, enhancing the film's appeal [24][18]. Group 4: Story Completion and Critique - Despite advancements in production and imagination, the film suffers from a lack of narrative coherence, leading to a disjointed viewing experience [17][28]. - The emotional stakes and character motivations are often unclear, resulting in a failure to provide a strong emotional anchor for the audience [29][30]. - The film's conclusion lacks clarity regarding its thematic messages, leaving viewers uncertain about the intended takeaways [30][44].