iQIYI, a prominent online entertainment service in China, has recently concluded the inaugural season of ‘Action Master,’ featuring a diverse and enthralling array of action films. This groundbreaking season not only highlighted traditional martial arts culture but also brought a fresh and modern approach to the genre. The four films – Blocking the Horse, Eye for an Eye 2, Hunt the Wicked, and The Wild Blade of Strangers – captivated audiences with their distinctive storytelling, dynamic action sequences, and compelling character development.
These films offered a rich and seamless blend of Chinese classical opera, oriental aesthetics, and martial arts tales. For instance, Eye for an Eye 2 continued the narrative of the blind swordsman and redefined chivalry for modern audiences, achieving an impressive RMB 2.79 million at the box office and a record-high rating of 9.7 on iQIYI on its premiere day. Meanwhile, Blocking the Horse drew inspiration from traditional opera, providing a visually striking adventure filled with humour and suspense.
In addition to the action movies, iQIYI has also introduced several martial arts series in recent years, further showcasing the enduring appeal of the genre. These series, including Mysterious Lotus Casebook, The Ingenious One, Pledge of Allegiance, and Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty, have continued to captivate audiences with their captivating stories and powerful performances.
The success of The Wild Blade of Strangers in reaching a wide audience through a multi-line distribution model is a testament to the enduring popularity of martial arts films. By combining both cinema screenings and online platforms, the film effectively catered to a broad range of audience preferences, demonstrating the effectiveness of a market-driven, flexible strategy that meets the varied tastes of Chinese film enthusiasts.
Producer Liangwen LI shared that The Wild Blade of Strangers was initially released on iQIYI’s Cloud Cinema before expanding to include a theatrical release that attracted interest from over 6,000 cinemas. Film director Wei LI echoed this sentiment, highlighting the eagerness of cinemas to showcase the film as evidence of the enduring audience for martial arts films and their desire to experience them on the big screen.
Yu GONG, Founder and CEO of iQIYI, further emphasized the importance of multi-line distribution in promoting a broader content offering and supporting the long-term development of the industry. This strategy allows for the production of more diverse films that cater to the demands of internet users, fostering creativity and meeting the various needs of audiences.
In conclusion, iQIYI’s ‘Action Master’ Season has underscored the enduring allure and contemporary relevance of martial arts cinema. By blending traditional elements with innovative storytelling techniques, these films continue to captivate audiences and pave the way for a new era of martial arts entertainment.
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Source: iQIYI