Netflix viewers rant over 'silly' sci-fi movie with 'insane' effects

Irish Daily Mirror

09-05-2025

One impressed critic praised a hidden Netflix gem, declaring it "science-fiction escapism at its very best". 'The Wandering Earth', a lesser-known Chinese sci-fi flick that first hit screens in 2019, is adapted from a story by Liu Cixin and has earned respect for punching above its weight class against big-budget Hollywood giants.
Set amongst the stars with a brave crew of astronauts, the film captures their intense battle to prevent a catastrophic crash between Earth and Jupiter. While some critics say the plot doesn't quite hit the mark, audiences are wowed by its mighty "incredible special effects", deserving of high praise for the Chinese moviemakers challenging Tinseltown's finest.
Rotten Tomatoes features a candid reviewer's take: "There's nothing new on offer in The Wandering Earth, but it does prove that China is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to making the kind of silly big-budget blockbusters that have been peppered throughout Hollywood for the last few decades."
In the movie's future realm, astronauts and lifesavers band together to save Earth from an ever-swelling Sun. Their journey brings trials, reminiscences, and sways between hope and despair, weaving a tale about human solidarity in facing titanic ordeals, exploring the deep bonds of family, and ultimately championing hope over desolation.
Another review says: "I liked it – good special effects and an ORIGINAL story. I think this is the only movie I've seen where the USA didn't rescue the world; it was a group effect by humanity!", reports the Express.
Meanwhile, one viewer wrote: "I watched it five times. Each time it makes it more entertaining and more interesting. If you don't have the life experience of Chinese heroism and/or training in Chinese mythology, you might have difficulty savouring the subtleties of the narrative."
Not only has the film grabbed Netflix audiences' attention, it smashed the box office back in 2019. The Wandering Earth cashed in about £232 million during the frenetic Chinese New Year period, snagging a record for Chinese cinema by doing so.
One critic sums up their impressions: "The Wandering Earth isn't especially deep, but it's an explosive achievement of filmmaking."
Another commentator added: "The Wandering Earth is definitely bold and silly, but when a film looks as gorgeous as this, it's hard not to be mesmerised."
Anticipation is high among fans who were thrilled with The Wandering Earth prequel, aptly named The Wandering Earth 2 and featuring Andy Lau, which dropped in January 2023. And the buzz doesn't stop there—a third instalment is already marked for release in 2027.
For those keen on a cinematic treat with some top-notch special effects from groundbreaking Chinese cinema, The Wandering Earth is ready to wow on Netflix right now.