Netflix buys the rights to broadcast the Chinese sci-fi blockbuster "Wandering Earth": NPR

The film The wandering earth has already generated more than $ 600 million in global revenue since its theatrical release on February 5. If you have not yet seen the epic of the sci-fi disaster, it may be because it was made in China. In this country, the release of the film was a major event and the film has already reached the number two ranking of the Chinese box office.

The film also recorded a limited release of $ 3.8 million in North America, where it could soon attract many more viewers: Netflix announced this week that it has acquired the rights to broadcast the film.

Netflix will do Wandering earth available in over 190 countries where it offers service – but not in China, where Netflix is ​​not available. The film will be translated into 28 languages, but Netflix has not set a date for its release online.

The film takes place in a distant future in which the earth is about to be devoured by the sun. With the help of propulsive engines, humans transform the Earth into a spaceship and try to launch it out of the solar system. It stars Wu Jing, an actor, director and martial artist nicknamed "Rambo of China".

The film is based on a short story by Liu Cixin, who worked as an engineer in a power plant while writing his books.

"This is a film created for the Chinese public around the world and has been welcomed since its release, and we are very happy about it," film director Frant Gwo said in the press release. Netflix. "To my surprise, this film also resonates outside mainland China."

For the Chinese film industry, this release marks a milestone. "Chinese filmmakers see science fiction as a holy grail," said Raymond Zhou, independent critic The New York Times. "It's like the transition to the adult age of the industry."

The Chinese government also talked about the film. "This film represents a big step forward for Chinese production capabilities and our ability to create global appeal," said Lou Xiaoxi, vice president of Beijing Culture, Xinhua.

So, how is entertaining The wandering earth? Until now, he has garnered 67% of critics, according to Rotten Tomatoes.

"This certainly proves that the Chinese film industry can stand up to the multiplex: it is just as engulfed with fuzzy computer imagery, astonishing exhibits and manipulative sentimentality as the average tentpole of". Hollywood, "said the president. Times & # 39; review.

But to SlateInkoo Kang writes that the film "understands what US blockbusters are still struggling to admit: the response to climate change will pose huge infrastructure challenges and require drastic global action." a country like China, accustomed to a manic pace of construction and the greatness of an organizational opportunity, to seriously consider how much humanity will have to redefine our lifestyles to survive such a catastrophic force . "