Summary of Key Points
The domestic animated film "Baxian" (The Eight Immortals), released during the summer season, has grossed over 1.2 billion yuan in just 17 days, achieving both critical acclaim and market success. Behind this success lies the profound cultural foundation of the Baxian characters among the people. In his essay about "Baxian," Wang Zengqi explores why these figures have been able to endure for thousands of years and resonate with the public from various perspectives, including customs, psychological needs, and artistic creation. The Baxian characters serve as symbols of birthday celebrations, embodying the common desire for a carefree life, and are created by folk artists through a combination of simple elements and contrasting features.
1. The Animation Became Popular Because Baxian Are "National Old Friends"
The success of "Baxian" stems from tapping into the Chinese collective memory. Wang Zengqi recalls as a child visiting relatives for birthday celebrations, where the clay sculptures of the Eight Immortals on the altar were so lifelike that he was reluctant to leave. This scene is relatable for many: the Baxian characters have long been familiar faces in daily life—used in birthday decorations, operas, and paper-cuts. This widespread familiarity immediately endows the animation with a sense of warmth, driving its box office success.
2. Baxian Are Used in Birthday Celebrations Because They Represent Longevity
The Chinese people's most tangible wish is for longevity, and the Eight Immortals fit this role perfectly as earthly deities, not distant gods but "immortal mortals." Inviting them to bless a birthday is like inviting internet celebrities known for their longevity. For example, the Yuan dynasty opera "Yaochi Hui Baxian Qing Shou" (The Gathering of the Eight Immortals at the Jade Pool) appears to celebrate the Queen Mother of the West but actually wishes happiness to the person celebrating the birth. The use of Baxian in Wang Zengqi's relatives' birthday ceremonies reflects this desire for a long life, addressing the real needs of ordinary people.
3. Baxian Represent the "Carefree Dream" of Hardworking People
Wang Zengqi points out that the Eight Immortals do not have to farm, carry heavy loads, or engage in business; they wander through clouds and mists, enjoying leisurely activities like fanning themselves with banana leaves and playing flutes. This represents an ideal lifestyle that was particularly appealing to those who lived hard lives in the past. For them, the Baxian characters symbolized a longing for a carefree existence.
4. The Composition of the Eight Immortals: A Creative Blend by Folk Artists
The choice of these eight characters is not based on profound reasons but rather on a combination of simplicity and contrast. The number eight has symbolic significance in Chinese culture, and the diverse personalities of the group create a visually appealing ensemble. Wang Zengqi believes this was done by folk artists to make the characters more relatable, like friends from everyday life rather than distant deities.
5. The "Cute and Unattractive" Character of Tieguai Li: A Sense of Contrast in Chinese Aesthetics
Tieguai Li is perhaps the most memorable character among the Eight Immortals—bald, hunched over, with a beard, and using a crutch. His appearance is unattractive yet endearing, reminiscent of characters like Zhong Kui and Ji Gong, who are considered beautiful in Chinese aesthetics for their uniqueness and vitality. This contrast makes Tieguai Li the most easily recognizable member of the group.
In summary, the success of "Baxian" lies in the combination of a well-known cultural icon with a fresh artistic interpretation. The enduring popularity of the Baxian characters is due to their connection to people's practical desires for longevity, spiritual aspirations for a carefree life, and aesthetic preferences for contrast. This is how traditional culture continues to thrive in modern times.