Core Viewpoint - The release of "Nezha 2" is seen as a significant event in the Chinese film industry, potentially marking a shift towards animation films while highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by cinemas and the film market as a whole [2][3][4]. Group 1: Industry Trends - "Nezha 2" is expected to reach a box office of around 150 billion, which is considered a miracle in Chinese film history [2]. - The film industry is experiencing a "post-Nezha era," prompting discussions on whether the animation sector can escape its "dark age" and how the film industry will evolve [3]. - The cinema market is facing a potential decline, with predictions that the annual production of films may drop from 400 to 50 due to market saturation and changing audience behaviors [24][25]. Group 2: Cinema Closures - In a recent wave, at least 15 cinemas have announced closures, primarily due to expired rental contracts and operational adjustments [7][21]. - The closures reflect a broader trend of financial instability within the cinema sector, exacerbated by a lack of new film releases following "Nezha 2" [6][21]. - Many cinema operators express concerns about the future, with some considering alternative business models to sustain operations [21]. Group 3: Audience Behavior - The box office success of "Nezha 2" has not significantly changed audience viewing habits, with many viewers still attending cinemas infrequently [25][30]. - The film's success has led to a concentration of box office revenue during peak periods, raising concerns about the sustainability of smaller films [25][31]. - The industry is grappling with the challenge of attracting audiences who may only visit cinemas once or twice a year, impacting overall cinema viability [30][31]. Group 4: Animation vs. Live Action - There is a growing sentiment that animation films may be less susceptible to public backlash compared to live-action films, which often face scrutiny over cast controversies [23][24]. - The industry is witnessing a shift in investment towards animation projects, as companies seek to mitigate risks associated with live-action productions [4][24]. - The success of "Nezha 2" may lead to an increase in adaptations of traditional stories into animated formats, reflecting a potential new direction for the industry [31].