Stephen Chow's new film sparks controversy and box office success in China

Stephen Chow's latest directorial effort, "Kung Fu Cheerleading Squad," has stormed the Chinese box office, raking in an estimated 1.3 billion yuan (approximately 6.22 billion New Taiwan dollars) in just nine days. The sports comedy, billed as a spiritual successor to the beloved "Shaolin Soccer," has benefited from the summer blockbuster season and the global fervor surrounding the World Cup.

However, the film's impressive financial performance is overshadowed by a wave of controversies. Audiences are sharply divided, with loyal fans praising its signature comedic style, while many others criticize its thin plot and perceived lack of originality, calling it a mere rehash of "Shaolin Soccer." The film's extensive special effects, reportedly costing 380 million yuan, have also drawn flak for appearing cheap and reminiscent of AI-generated short dramas.

Beyond the film's quality, "Kung Fu Cheerleading Squad" has ignited an international dispute. A fictional overseas opponent team, named "Lihua," has drawn accusations of maliciously targeting South Korean football and its prominent "Ewha Womans University." The team's portrayal, with players wearing colored contact lenses, applying makeup mid-game, and employing unsportsmanlike tactics, has led to widespread condemnation from South Korean netizens who accuse the film of disrespecting their national sport.

Adding to the turmoil, the film experienced a rare mid-release "version change" less than a week after its premiere on July 11. While the runtime and main plot remained the same, the updated version featured enhanced special effects for the football sequences, improved audio, and color correction. This move, intended to improve the viewing experience, angered many early supporters who felt they had paid to see an incomplete product, leading to accusations of insincerity and unfairness.

The decision to change the film version was also driven by a need to combat piracy and box office fraud. To gain better control over screening data and prevent "stolen box office" incidents, the film's distributors implemented a "segmented key" system, breaking the usual month-long screening key into daily or weekly issuances. This allows for immediate monitoring and the swift revocation of access if any irregularities are detected, demonstrating a strong stance to protect the film's revenue.