Youku, popular video hosting website, has in the last year begun producing its own original content, titled Youku Originals. Several videos from Youkus recent partnership with Chevrolet Cruze and the China Film Group have become huge successes on the site in the last month, even topping Zhang Yimou’s latest film, Under the Hawthorn Tree, in views, ‘thumbs up’ and comments. The partnership, titled 11 Degrees New Media Film Project, has also launched the directors of films into the limelight, while their films have received critical acclaim and become some sort of social phenomenon.
Old Boys, a film about love and following your dreams, has proven especially popular due to the nostalgia presented for the younger viewers. The tale of two high school boys competing for love for a girl through impromptu burst of 80’s folk songs to Michael Jackson dance routines creates an unexpectedly moving film. The film contains English subtitles, but also contains a lot of cultural references which only Chinese people may understand. Despite this it’s definitely worth a watch for the journey from puppy love, through a series of unfortunate and funny events which leaves them in a face off against an evil reality show producer.
Old Boys
Miss Puffs Goldfish Bowl is another film from the 11 Degrees New Media Film Project that has had considerable success. Compared to the sweet and funny Old Boys this film is smooth and sexy. Miss Puff portrays a young Beijing women looking for love, a true depiction of the loneliness and materialism that reflects the lives of many young Beijing yuppies. The animated characters crossed with filmed background also create a stylish visual experience which shouldn’t be missed. Both films give an intimate insight into modern Chinese culture, which few films seem to be able to capture, reflecting their success amongst the Chinese youth, watch both yourself and see why everyone is talking about them.
Miss Puff's Goldfish Bowl
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