The Netflix Dystopian Sci-Fi Epic Thriller is one of the biggest Interstellar Blockbusters of all time
Posted by Charlene Badasie | Published
2019 Chinese sci-fi movie The Wandering World is streaming on Netflix. Directed by Frant Gwo, the film is based on Liu Cixin's short story of the same name. The story follows a group of astronauts as they steer Earth away from the growing Sun and avoid a collision with Jupiter. The goal is to move Earth to the Alpha Centauri star system.
Earth is the Great Spaceship
The Wandering World it begins in the year 2058 when a giant red Sun threatens to engulf the Earth. In order to save humanity, the world government is building 12,000 engines that work together to eject the planet from the Solar System. Chinese astronaut Liu Peiqiang (Wu Jing) leaves his son Qi (Liu Qi) in the care of his father-in-law Han Zi'ang (Ng Man-tat) before going to the Navigation Platform International Space Station.
A Race Against Time
Part of humanity goes underground, while others perish due to the cold and various weather-related disasters. Years later, the elder Qi gets fake IDs and hot suits to take his adopted sister, Han Duoduo (Zhao Jinmai), to the top. They were imprisoned for their transgressions. While trying to bribe the officials to get them released, Zi'ang is also arrested.
The gravitational spike causes an earthquake that causes the Earth to collide with Jupiter, setting the stage The Wandering World. The group escapes and tries to reach another underground city but is forced into emergency equipment. Facing various obstacles, the film's characters race against time to save everyone who calls the world home.
A Smash Hit
The Wandering World received a positive response from critics and viewers who praised its special effects, dimension, and interesting storytelling. However, some critics pointed out flaws in its pacing and character development. The film currently has a 70 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an audience score of 51 percent.
A huge success on its release, The Wandering World earned over CN¥2 billion in its first six days and topped the global box office in its opening weekend. What started out as a huge Chinese New Year blockbuster quickly became a global phenomenon, proving that audiences were more than willing to accept big sci-fi adventures outside of the Hollywood system. By the end of its theatrical run, the film had grossed nearly $700 million worldwide, cementing its place as one of the biggest Chinese films of all time.
A New Standard in Chinese Filmmaking
Netflix has acquired worldwide streaming rights to The Wandering Worldmaking it available to a wider global audience. The move was part of the broadcaster's strategy to expand its catalog with diverse, high-quality content around the world. The film's production design and visual effects drew comparisons to Hollywood standards, reflecting the rapid development of Chinese filmmaking.
The Prequel Was Less Profitable, But Got Popular Claim
Because of the success of The Wandering Worldprequel, The Wandering World 2released in 2023. The story takes place before the events of the first film, as the Sun begins to heat up rapidly and threatens the future of Earth. In order to save humanity, giant engines are built to propel the planet to the new solar system. However, this journey is complex, and the new generation must work together to ensure the survival of humanity.
Sci-fi fans can check out the flagship movie, The Wandering Worldon Netflix.
