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SCMP Editorial

The films that become big box-office hits often enjoy huge budgets and feature all-star casts. Some Hollywood blockbusters cost hundreds of millions of US dollars.
The film that has taken mainland China by storm this year is different. Dear You, a heartwarming story featuring the culture of Chaoshan, in eastern Guangdong province, has been a surprise success.
The film was made on a shoestring budget of just 14 million yuan (US$2.06 million). The cast was mostly unknown before the film was released. It was filmed entirely in Teochew, a southern Chinese dialect.
Dear You has already grossed more than 700 million yuan and is projected to take 1.6 billion yuan, a record for a dialect film on the mainland. The film has enjoyed rave reviews, its popularity growing as plaudits spread by word of mouth.
The movie tells the story of a grandson searching for his grandfather from Chaoshan who emigrated to Thailand many years ago. It features the tradition of migrants from China regularly sending brief letters with small remittances to their family back home.
It is a story that has resonated strongly with film-goers at a time when interest is growing in China’s regional culture. The film also powerfully conveys the importance of maintaining family and community bonds. This has struck a chord.
The movie’s influence has extended beyond cinemas. Parts of Chaoshan in which the film was shot have become tourist destinations. It has also sparked much debate on social media among overseas Chinese communities.
Big budgets and famous actors are not necessarily needed for a movie to find success. Strong storytelling, authenticity, and – above all – the ability to connect with the audience can be the keys to bumper box office takings.
Hong Kong has a strong Chaoshan community, and film buffs will hope Dear You is released in the city soon. Local film The Last Dance, made with a modest budget, was a huge success last year.
Dear You is an inspiration and should give much encouragement to other aspiring directors and actors.


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China’s film industry

Indie hit Dear You shows the power of storytelling over big budgets

A poster for Dear You, an independent film set in Chaoshan, Guangdong province, which has become an unexpected box office hit in China. Photo: Handout

A Teochew hit film shows what’s ailing Chinese entertainment

People walk past movie posters at a cinema in Mengzi city, Yunnan province on February 19. Photo: Xinhua

Dear You was filmed entirely in Teochew, a southern Chinese dialect, with a cast of mostly regular people. It has a high rating of 9.1 out of 10 on Douban, China’s answer to IMDB. Photo: Handout

Chinese tourists flock to Teochew sites after indie film becomes surprise hit

Opinion

The surprise hit, filmed on a shoestring budget and shot entirely in a southern Chinese dialect, has resonated strongly with audiences


The surprise hit, filmed on a shoestring budget and shot entirely in a southern Chinese dialect, has resonated strongly with audiences.


Asian cinema: Chinese films

Cinema

China

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Column

Editorial

Indie hit Dear You shows the power of storytelling over big budgets

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The surprise hit, filmed on a shoestring budget and shot entirely in a southern Chinese dialect, has resonated strongly with audiences

The surprise hit, filmed on a shoestring budget and shot entirely in a southern Chinese dialect, has resonated strongly with audiences