Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence of a new genre termed "cow and horse movies," which resonate with the struggles of ordinary workers, reflecting their realities and emotions through various narratives and settings [6][10][37]. Group 1: Overview of "Cow and Horse Movies" - This summer, the dominant theme in cinemas has shifted to "cow and horse movies," which are characterized as realistic and satirical films that resonate with the experiences of ordinary workers [8][11]. - Notable films in this genre include "The Lychee of Chang'an," "The Little Monster of Langlang Mountain," and "The Stage," all of which focus on the lives and struggles of working-class individuals [6][12][49]. - The initial box office predictions for "The Lychee of Chang'an" were optimistic at 20 billion, but industry expectations have since been adjusted to 7-8 billion, indicating a struggle to meet financial expectations [12][40]. Group 2: Audience Reception and Emotional Impact - Audience reactions to these films are complex, with many expressing that the narratives reflect their own lives, leading to a mix of laughter and tears during viewings [9][21]. - The films have been well-received, with ratings on Douban showing "The Lychee of Chang'an" at 7.6, "The Little Monster of Langlang Mountain" at 8.6, and "The Stage" at 8.0, all exceeding the average ratings for domestic films [50][49]. - Viewers report that the films provide a cathartic experience, allowing them to release pent-up emotions related to their work lives [22][64]. Group 3: Industry Trends and Future Prospects - The trend of creating films that highlight the struggles of workers is gaining traction, with increasing investment in this genre and a growing number of productions focusing on the working-class narrative [26][39]. - The success of these films hinges on their ability to accurately capture and resonate with the emotions of the audience, as well as the quality of the final product [17][37]. - The article notes that while there is potential for success in this genre, there are also risks if the films fail to connect with the audience or if they become overly focused on depicting suffering without offering resolution [68][79].

Core Points - The 16th Cross-Strait Film Festival opened in Taipei on the 21st, showcasing 7 popular films from mainland China over a span of 6 days [1][10] - The festival features a mix of genres including comedies, inspirational films, workplace stories, crime thrillers, and animated films [3] - The event aims to enhance cultural exchange between Taiwan and mainland China through film [5][6] Group 1 - The festival includes popular films such as "Grab the Doll," "Detective Chinatown 1900," and "I Like to Deceive," among others [3] - The opening ceremony saw significant attendance from Taiwanese film fans, indicating strong interest in the showcased films [1][10] - Organizers emphasize the importance of maintaining a platform for cross-strait film exchanges to promote mutual understanding [5][6] Group 2 - The festival will run until the 26th of this month, with additional Taiwanese films scheduled to be showcased in Ya'an and Chengdu next month [10] - The event has historically attracted hundreds of thousands of participants from both sides, highlighting its role as a significant cultural exchange platform [10] - Participants expressed excitement about the opportunity for more such exchange activities in the future [8][10]

Core Points - The 16th Cross-Strait Film Festival opened in Taipei on May 21, showcasing 7 popular films from mainland China over the next 6 days, promoting cultural exchange between the two sides [1][2] - The selected films include box office hits like "Catching Dolls" and "Detective Chinatown 3," as well as inspirational and workplace-themed movies, indicating a diverse representation aimed at engaging Taiwanese audiences [2] - The festival has garnered significant interest from local viewers, with some films experiencing high demand and sold-out screenings, highlighting the popularity of mainland films in Taiwan [2] Group 1 - The festival features 7 carefully selected films known for their box office performance, awards, or audience acclaim [2] - Notable films include "Catching Dolls," "Detective Chinatown 3," "Little Me," and "Winning Hand," showcasing a variety of genres [2] - The event aims to deepen mutual understanding between the two sides through the medium of film, as expressed by Zhang Pimin, Chairman of the China Film Foundation [2] Group 2 - The festival's opening day saw enthusiastic audiences, with long queues for tickets, indicating strong viewer engagement [2] - Audience members expressed a desire for more mainland films to be introduced in Taiwan, reflecting a growing interest in cross-strait cinematic offerings [2] - Following the Taipei event, the festival will feature 6 Taiwanese films in Sichuan from June 6 to 11, further promoting cultural exchange [3]