Summary of the Core Content
The poorly made and unfinished film "Niulai" has unexpectedly become a viral sensation, turning into a phenomenon. Audiences flocked to the theaters out of curiosity, creating an interactive atmosphere reminiscent of a concert, with some investors even buying tickets as a symbol of good luck. However, this has sparked controversy—some directors and media critics have criticized it for being a case of "bad money driving out good money," but the article argues that this is merely a manifestation of "incompetent rage." More importantly, this film offers three lessons to ordinary people: follow the rules and processes, don't let perfectionism hold you back, and pursue your goals with pure dedication.
1. The Success of "Niulai": Not About Quality, but About Reversing Conventional Trends
The success of "Niulai" has nothing to do with its quality; it has tapped into the public's fascination with anti-industrial trends and emotional responses:
- Curiosity as a Driver: People are drawn to things that are supposedly bad, such as trying soy milk or West Lake vinegar fish, precisely because they hear they are extremely unpleasant.
- Interactive Atmosphere: While film shooting is often criticized, in the case of "Niulai," audiences laughed and even imitated the sounds of cattle during the screening, creating a collective sense of fun that spread on social media, attracting more viewers.
- Additional Value beyond the Film: Investors used the film's name as a symbol of good luck, and audiences created their own memes in the theaters, turning the experience into a form of public art.
Its success was accidental, but it reflects society's acceptance of imperfection and desire for novelty and excitement.
2. Behind the Criticisms: The Anger of Incompetence
Why do some people criticize "Niulai"? Essentially, it reflects their own failure; they feel frustrated when others succeed effortlessly:
- Directors' Complaints: Some directors argue that their well-intentioned works were overlooked, but even without "Niulai," their films might not have been successful anyway. Their criticism serves as a vent for their disappointment.
- Media Exaggerations: Comparing the film to counterfeit currency highlights jealousy over the unreplicable nature of success.
- The Reality of Many People: Many seek shortcuts but are unwilling to put in the effort. They see "Niulai's" roughness and still consider it a success, implying they lack the courage to try themselves.
3. Lesson 1: Don't Overcomplicate Things; Just Follow the Process
The controversy surrounding "Niulai's" approval process teaches us:
- Rules Are Not as Strict as You Think: The approval process checks for compliance (no sensitive content, technical issues, etc.) but not quality. Many simply don’t bother to check the official information.
- Action Matters More than Theory: Facing challenges, break them down into manageable steps (submitting applications, waiting for reviews). Don’t give up before even trying.
4. Lesson 2: Don't Let Perfectionism Hold You Back; Release Your Work First
The film's rough release highlights the problem with perfectionism:
- Perfectionism as an Excuse: Many avoid releasing their products due to concerns about quality, but "Niulai" made it to theaters. Why can’t your articles or small projects do the same?
- Only by Releasing Can You Get Feedback: Without trying, you won’t get feedback or opportunities for improvement.
5. Lesson 3: Pursue Your Goals with Pure Dedication
The uniqueness of "Niulai" lies in its dedication:
- Cost-Indifferent Persistence: The director and her daughter spent five years on the film, doing everything themselves (production, animation, voiceover). Their motivation was not profit but a desire to complete it.
- A Rare Quality in a Commercial World: In an era of AI, "Niulai's" roughness is a reminder that human effort is valuable. In business, time and genuine passion are often the most precious resources.
Conclusion: The Meaning of "Niulai"
"Niulai" may not be a great film, but it serves as a mirror, revealing the jealousy of some and offering a path forward for others: to follow the rules, let go of perfectionism, and pursue your goals with sincerity. In an AI-driven world, the imperfections of human effort are more valuable. Perhaps this is the true lesson we should learn from "Niulai."