Summary of Key Points
"Asura!," a hit animated film during the summer season, has grossed over 270 million yuan in just two days and received a rating of 8.3 on Douban, achieving a win-win situation in terms of both public opinion and box office success. However, it has also sparked controversy: viewers argue that the film constitutes a "shelled adaptation" of the "Asura" IP—retaining only the names of the eight immortals while turning the story into a treasure-hunting adventure, with weak connections to the traditional mythology. The key to the film's success lies in its use of a mature commercial genre (treasure hunting) to reframe a traditional cultural IP. Nevertheless, it has exposed issues such as disjointed character logic and a lack of cultural depth. This experience provides insights into the adaptation of domestic animated IPs and raises questions about the balance between innovation and tradition.
I. Box Office Success, Yet Questioned as "Not Really Asura?" — The Core of the Adaptation Debate
Many viewers are puzzled after watching the film: Is this really about the Asura?
- Disappearance of Classic Elements: There are no scenes depicting the Asura crossing the sea and displaying their divine powers, nor is there any mention of their journey to become immortals. Instead, the story revolves around a group of ordinary people stealing treasures from heaven, resembling a "Eleven Arhats" type of treasure-hunting film.
- Disjointed Character Logic: In the first half, the Asura are solely focused on making money; in the second half, they suddenly decide to "save the world," which feels abrupt without proper buildup. The background of He Xiangu (who inherits a legendary title of chivalry) is only briefly mentioned, leaving viewers confused. The villain Yang Jian's motivation for sacrificing the entire city to save his mother seems exaggerated (even Sun Wukong's rebellion in heaven was more dramatic).
- The Cast Fails to Live Up to Its Name: Apart from Zhong Li Quan and Lu Dongbin, who play central roles, the other five immortals are merely used for comic relief or support. The story's climax relies on Sun Wukong's intervention, diminishing the Asura's sense of being the main protagonists.
- Plot Driven by Coincidences: Random encounters with Sun Wukong, monkey hair that fits the Asura perfectly, and Yang Jian's celestial eye failing at critical moments—these inconsistencies make the story unconvincing.
II. Why Did It Become a Hit? A Mature Commercial Genre as the "Secret to Success"
The success of "Asura!" lies in its ability to wrap a traditional IP within a familiar commercial framework:
- Adopting the Treasure-Hunting Formula: The film follows a well-established structure: team formation, infiltration into heaven, solving puzzles, identity reversals, and a final battle, which keeps the audience engaged with its fast pace, numerous jokes, and exciting action scenes.
- **Drawing on the Success of "K-POP: Witch Hunt Team": Last year's hit "K-POP: Witch Hunt Team" combined idol culture with a magical hunt theme. "Asura!" does the same by using well-known cultural elements with a mature genre, making it more accessible to a wide audience.
- Appealing to All Ages: Children enjoy the fantasy adventure and comedy, young adults find the plot twists and character relationships engaging, and adults can see parallels between the "heavenly rules" and real-world bureaucracy, providing entertainment for the whole family.
III. Three Lessons for Domestic Animation Adaptations
The success of "Asura!" offers new approaches for adapting traditional cultural IPs:
- Dare to Reconstruct the IP: Instead of sticking strictly to the original story, "Asura!" breaks new ground by reimagining the characters and storyline (e.g., changing the genre from a fairy tale to a treasure hunt).
- Targeting a Family Audience: While "The Three Kingdoms: Part One: The Battle for Luoyang" received a high rating but low box office due to its historical focus, "Asura!" uses comedy and adventure elements to attract a broader audience.
- Contrasting Heroes Are More Likable: By portraying the immortals as flawed humans with selfish motives who ultimately choose chivalry, the characters become more relatable.
IV. The Concerns of Adaptation: Don't Lose the Cultural Essence
The controversy around "Asura!" highlights that IP adaptations should not merely serve as a shell for new stories:
- Classic Symbols Have Fixed Meanings: The Asura represent the spirit of saving the world in Chinese mythology, and viewers expect to see their growth and spiritual essence. The film's transformation into a treasure-hunting team disappoints those who seek these elements.
- Innovation Must Be Connected to Culture: Innovation is welcome, but it must maintain a connection with the IP's core values. For example, the Asura's divine powers could be reinterpreted as skills used in the treasure hunt, rather than being completely discarded.
Conclusion
The success of "Asura!" shows that domestic animation is using more sophisticated commercial strategies to revitalize traditional culture. However, the controversy also highlights that adaptation requires maintaining the cultural essence while innovating. The future of domestic animation lies in finding a balance between tradition and innovation, allowing old IPs to tell new stories while preserving their cultural significance for audiences.