Core Insights - The current state of the film industry is marked by a lack of genuine storytelling and creativity, leading to disappointing box office results during the May Day holiday period, with a 50% year-on-year decline in ticket sales, reverting to 2017 levels [1][3][5] - The industry is experiencing a reflection phase, where the failure of films is attributed to the content itself rather than external factors, indicating a need for creators to take full responsibility for their work [5][6] - Hong Kong directors, once at the forefront of the Chinese film industry, are now seen as outdated, with their techniques becoming tiresome for audiences, as evidenced by the poor performance of their recent films [8][10] Industry Trends - The film market is witnessing a significant shift, with audiences increasingly rejecting formulaic and recycled content, as seen in the stark contrast between successful films like "Nezha" and the underperformance of recent releases [3][19] - There is a growing concern that filmmakers are succumbing to the pressures of short video formats, leading to a faster-paced storytelling style that may not resonate with traditional film audiences [14][18] - The upcoming film slate shows a lack of innovative projects, with many filmmakers opting for sequels or adaptations rather than original content, which may hinder the industry's recovery [21][23] Audience Expectations - Audiences are becoming more discerning, with higher standards for what constitutes a worthwhile film experience, as evidenced by the poor reception of films that fail to deliver meaningful narratives [19][21] - The trend of "crying films" that gained popularity during the pandemic is waning, with recent releases struggling to attract viewers, indicating a shift in audience preferences [19][21] - There is a call for filmmakers to explore deeper, more relatable themes that reflect the complexities of modern life, rather than relying on superficial success narratives [11][18]

Group 1 - The film "The Hunting Game" has achieved a box office of over 135 million yuan, becoming the runner-up in the May Day box office rankings [1] - Directed by Qiu Litao, the film explores the darker side of the capital market, highlighting how illegal activities can turn the stock market into a "casino" where investors lose their hard-earned money [1][4] - Qiu Litao aims to create a financial crime film that resonates with the current era, emphasizing the accessibility of stock trading through technology [4][5] Group 2 - Qiu Litao's motivation for making "The Hunting Game" stems from his personal experiences with stock trading and observing the lack of understanding among ordinary investors [5] - The film aims to educate viewers about the financial industry and the risks involved in stock trading, portraying the consequences of uninformed investment decisions [7][8] - The narrative includes a capital war where a tech company faces manipulation from investment banks, ultimately affecting ordinary shareholders [7][9] Group 3 - The film's characters, including a seasoned investment banker and a young analyst, navigate ethical dilemmas and the temptations of wealth and success in the finance industry [9][11] - Qiu Litao emphasizes the moral challenges faced by individuals in pursuit of career advancement, suggesting that such temptations are prevalent across various sectors [12][13] - The film reflects on the importance of maintaining one's principles and the impact of choices made in the pursuit of success [13]