Core Viewpoint - The film "Chasing the Wind" has unexpectedly turned into a success, achieving high ratings and box office predictions despite initial skepticism about its quality [1][4][5]. Group 1: Film Performance - "Chasing the Wind" has received a Douban score of 8.1 and is predicted to surpass 1 billion in box office revenue, likely becoming the third highest-grossing film of the summer season and the sixth highest of the year [1][4]. - The film marks a significant return for Hong Kong action films, as it is the first to achieve both high ratings and box office success since 2018's "Project Gutenberg" [4]. Group 2: Audience Reception - The film's audience demographic shows that 26.4% are aged 40 and above, with 39.5% from lower-tier cities, indicating a strong base of older fans of Jackie Chan [9]. - The film has also attracted younger audiences, with 19.5% of viewers aged 20-24, and nearly 70% of the audience being female, thanks to the inclusion of younger, high-profile actors in the cast [9]. Group 3: Film Content and Themes - "Chasing the Wind" incorporates contemporary social issues such as surveillance systems and cryptocurrency, balancing traditional and modern elements in its narrative [7][8]. - The film explores complex character relationships, particularly the father-daughter and mentor-mentee dynamics, adding depth to the action-oriented plot [8]. Group 4: Marketing and Release Strategy - The film's pre-release strategy included extensive advance screenings, which helped build positive word-of-mouth and increased its visibility in the market [13][14]. - As of August 15, the film's advance ticket sales exceeded 100 million, with a high occupancy rate, indicating strong audience interest [14]. Group 5: Industry Implications - The success of "Chasing the Wind" suggests a potential revival for Hong Kong action films, emphasizing the need for fresh narratives and innovative approaches to attract modern audiences [18][19]. - The film's performance highlights the importance of delivering engaging content that resonates with viewers, particularly during periods of economic recovery in the entertainment industry [20].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the return of Jackie Chan's film "Capturing the Wind" to the essence of classic Hong Kong action films, highlighting its entertainment value over complex narratives [4][12]. Summary by Sections Movie Quality and Expectations - The author initially had low expectations for "Capturing the Wind" but was pleasantly surprised by its quality, likening it to Jackie Chan's peak era [2][4]. Entertainment Value - The film is praised for its ability to provide pure entertainment without the need for deep logic or complex storytelling, allowing viewers to enjoy the action without overthinking [8][10]. Critique of Modern Filmmaking - The article critiques contemporary filmmakers for prioritizing self-expression over audience enjoyment, contrasting this with the straightforward entertainment approach of "Capturing the Wind" [12][13]. Action and Execution - The film features thrilling action sequences and a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic Hong Kong cinema, focusing on adrenaline-pumping moments rather than narrative coherence [10][11]. Conclusion on Audience Experience - The author concludes that the film successfully delivers a raw and enjoyable action experience, reminding audiences of the primary purpose of watching movies: entertainment [12][13].

Core Viewpoint - The film "Malice," written and produced by Chen Sicheng, has received a mediocre rating of 6.3 on Douban, similar to his previous works, but its box office performance is significantly lower than expected, with a forecast of only 270 million yuan compared to over 400 million for competing imported films [1][4][5]. Group 1: Film Performance - "Malice" is projected to earn 270 million yuan, a stark contrast to the pre-release expectations of 400 to 500 million yuan [5]. - Competing films such as "Jurassic World: Dominion," "F1: Drive to Survive," and "Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet" are expected to surpass 400 million yuan in total box office [5][12]. - The film's box office trajectory has been flat, indicating a lack of audience engagement and interest [9][8]. Group 2: Marketing and Audience Reception - The film's low marketing budget has contributed to its poor performance, with only 46 marketing events compared to 148 for a competing film [7]. - The film's themes, which include social issues like online violence and the stigmatization of women, have not resonated with audiences, leading to a lack of emotional engagement [4][16]. - The film's critical stance towards the audience may have alienated potential viewers, as many are not inclined to pay for a film that critiques them [18][17]. Group 3: Comparison with Previous Works - Chen Sicheng's previous films, such as "The Disappearing Act" and "The Killing," successfully tapped into audience preferences for revenge narratives, while "Malice" has failed to do so [4][13]. - The success of "The Disappearing Act," which grossed 3.523 billion yuan, was attributed to its engaging themes, contrasting sharply with "Malice" [8][15]. - The decline in Chen Sicheng's appeal to frequent moviegoers is evident, as his recent works have struggled to maintain strong box office performances [11][12].