Latest news with #TheWanderingEarth
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix sci-fi film with 'best special effects ever' has fans watching five times
The Wandering Earth is a Chinese sci-fi film that was released in 2019 and is now available to stream on Netflix. The movie has been praised for its special effects One critic was left thoroughly impressed by a hidden gem on Netflix, remarking it as "science-fiction escapism at its very best". The Wandering Earth has been causing a stir since its 2019 release. This Chinese sci-fi extravaganza draws inspiration from a Liu Cixin story and transports the audience to outer space where astronauts embark on a daring quest to prevent a catastrophic collision between Earth and Jupiter. Despite the exceeded expectations with respect to its modest budget, the film has earned plaudits for standing toe-to-toe with Hollywood equivalents thanks to the Chinese filmmakers' ambitious effort. Critics acknowledged some shortcomings in the narrative yet many were taken aback by the film's outstandingly crafted "incredible special effects". A review highlighted on Rotten Tomatoes underlines this perspective: "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.", reports the Express. Set against a backdrop where the future of humanity hangs in the balance, heroic astronauts and rescue teams band together in the face of an expanding Sun, navigating through adversities, confronting their history, and oscillating between despair and hope. At its heart, The Wandering Earth tells a tale of human solidarity, unresolved tensions between fathers and sons and, above all else, the enduring human spirit amidst adversity. One review highlighted the unique elements of the film, saying: "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!". A viewer commented on the repeat value, adding: "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." The sci-fi epic isn't just a hit amongst Netflix fans—it also smashed box office records during its 2019 release. The Wandering Earth took the Chinese New Year slot by storm, raking in £232 million in a mere six days and setting unparalleled records for a Chinese cinematic endeavour. Summing up their views, one critic said: "The Wandering Earth isn't especially deep, but it's an explosive achievement of filmmaking." In a similar vein, another critic 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." Audiences who enjoyed the film can look forward to even more, as The Wandering Earth prequel, featuring Andy Lau, made its debut in January 2023, with a further instalment expected to land in 2027. Those keen on experiencing the exceptional special effects of trailblazing Chinese cinema, The Wandering Earth, need look no further—it's currently available for streaming on Netflix.
Irish Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Netflix viewers rant over 'silly' sci-fi movie with 'insane' effects
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.
