Early box office projections anticipated a modest increase on the takings for Gan’s previous film, Kaili Blues, about two depressed rural doctors.
Many reported mass walkouts during the film, as well as multiple audience members nodding off as Gan’s dense drama unfolded.
The film currently has a 2.8 out of 10 rating on Chinese movie website Maoyan, with typical comments including: “The worst movie in history!
But a backlash is spreading after many audience members said they felt short-changed by the film, and cheated into believing it was a much more mainstream movie.