'Lost in Thailand' redefines mainland audiences' tastes in films
The exceptional popularity of 'Lost in Thailand' redefines the tastes of mainland film audiences and spawns reflection about material wealth
As the low-budget comedy Lost in Thailand continues to expand on its record box-office earnings in the domestic market - having grossed more than 1.2 billion yuan (HK$1.48 billion) since its December 12 debut - debate has intensified as to what makes the movie so appealing.
The film is a travel adventure with Thailand as its backdrop. Scientist/businessman Xu Lang invents a miracle fuel additive, and he flies to Thailand to stop a business partner who wants to sell the invention. Silly Thailand-related hijinks ensue, including mistaking a transgender person for a beautiful woman.
But as the film progresses, Xu finds himself not only lost in Thailand, but lost for direction in his life. He finally realises money is not everything and joins a pancake maker on a simple, but fun trip.
The success of the 30-million-yuan film has shocked the domestic movie industry, normally dominated by big-budget historical epics with large casts.
Lost in Thailand has left all competitors in its wake, including Ang Lee's Life of Pi. Other big-budget offers that audiences have passed over in lieu of laughs include: Back to 1942, helmed by one of the most popular directors, Feng Xiaogang , and tells the story of 3 million people killed by famine; The Last Tycoon, starring Chow Yun-fat as a gangster in Japanese-occupied Shanghai in the 1930s; and CZ12, which features Jackie Chan trying to retrieve stolen Chinese art.
After watching the 105-minute comedy, an increasing number of movie-goers and commentators have weighed in, with some questioning whether it deserves its popularity.