Part 9/10:
Despite the bleakness, some industry insiders believe there may be a positive transformation on the horizon. The decline in speculative investments signals a shift toward a more rational film market. As audiences become more discerning, the emphasis on cinema quality takes precedence over star power, fostering a film environment where reputation and word-of-mouth carry weight.
Yet, the future remains uncertain. With an increasing number of films failing to captivate audiences and the state's censorship stifling creativity, only time will reveal the fate of Chinese cinema. The industry stands at a crossroads, caught between the residues of a glorious past and the challenges of an increasingly digital consumer landscape.