Rain_Korean_Singer.jpg (Photo : Wikipedia)
Despite reviews calling its plot mediocre, "For Love or Money" performed in terms of ticket sales, attesting how fan frenzy and social media can do wonders.
Currently, the film has already fetched 54.8 million yuan ($8.9 million) in just the first week.
"For Love or Money" is the first film adapted from the classic novel penned by Amy Siu-Haan. It was released on Nov. 7 in China.
Despite its success on ticket sales, it received so-so reviews from movie critics. According to China Entertainment Times, Douban gave it a score of 5.2 out of 10, while Mtime.com gave it 5.5.
Some reviewers claimed that the plot was too predictable and stereotypical. Others claimed that the first feature-length work of renowned TV series director Gao Xixi is too coarse. Gao, 52, is best known for his groundbreaking TV shows, including the widely lauded "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms."
A blogger took to Douban and wrote what he thinks is wrong with "For Love or Money": "Undoubtedly, the only highlights in the movie are lead actor Rain and actress Liu Yifei. The ticket is worthy just for admiring their pretty faces on the big screen."
Rain, a popular South Korean A-list actor and singer whose real name is Jung Ji Hoon, takes on the role of a handsome artist in this movie. His character would fall madly in love with a café owner played by actress Liu.
The lead stars proved how strong their fan bases are, as they seem to be the main reason why the movie did well on ticket sales despite the dismal reviews.
Earlier this month, when the movie did its 10-city promotional tour across the country, Rain's fans went crazy and even bought all the tickets at a cinema hall to show their love and support for their idol. The movie trended for quite a period of time too when Liu's fans took to Sina Weibo and posted a series of positive comments regarding the movie.
Hence, the movie can be considered a success owning to social media. "If numerous fans praise a film and make it an Internet sensation, it will raise non-fans' interest in the production and lead them to the cinemas," Zheng Ye, a seasoned showbiz critic surmised.
