Synopsis
Wuershan's 2023 fantasy epic adapted from Investiture of the Gods. 2.63 billion RMB box office. Won Golden Rooster Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Cinematography.
Overview
Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms is a 2023 Chinese fantasy action film directed by Wuershan, starring Kris Phillips, Li Xuejian, Huang Bo, Yu Shi, Chen Muchi, and Na Ran. Released on July 20, 2023, it is the first installment of the Creation of the Gods trilogy, adapted from the classic Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods.
Despite initial controversy before release, the film achieved remarkable word-of-mouth reversal and ultimately grossed 2.63 billion RMB with 60.68 million admissions. It won three awards at the 36th China Film Golden Rooster Awards including Best Picture.
Plot
King Yin Shou (Kris Phillips) of the Shang Dynasty becomes tyrannical under the enchantment of the fox spirit Su Daji (Na Ran). Xi Bo Hou Ji Chang (Li Xuejian) is imprisoned in Chaoge, while his son Ji Fa (Yu Shi), held as a hostage since childhood, is adopted as a foster son by Yin Shou.
When Jiang Ziya (Huang Bo) descends the mountain with the Investiture of the Gods scroll to seek the rightful ruler of the realm, various factions compete for the powerful artifact. After witnessing Yin Shou's cruelty firsthand, Ji Fa awakens to the truth, ultimately kills Yin Shou, and flees Chaoge with the scroll, beginning his journey back to Xiqi.
Cast
| Role | Actor | Character Description |
|---|---|---|
| Yin Shou | Kris Phillips | The last ruler of the Shang Dynasty |
| Ji Fa | Yu Shi | Son of Xi Bo Hou, later King Wu of Zhou |
| Ji Chang | Li Xuejian | Xi Bo Hou, imprisoned in Chaoge (Golden Rooster Best Supporting Actor) |
| Jiang Ziya | Huang Bo | A wise man carrying the Investiture scroll |
| Su Daji | Na Ran | Fox spirit who enchants the king |
| Yin Jiao | Chen Muchi | Yin Shou's son, crown prince of Shang |
Box Office and Awards
| Award/Record | Result |
|---|---|
| 36th Golden Rooster Awards - Best Picture | Won |
| 36th Golden Rooster Awards - Best Supporting Actor (Li Xuejian) | Won |
| 36th Golden Rooster Awards - Best Cinematography | Won |
| Total Box Office | 2.63 billion RMB |
| Total Admissions | 60.68 million |
| Five One Project - Outstanding Work | Selected |
Cultural Impact
Creation of the Gods I is regarded as a milestone that heralds a new era for the Chinese film industry. The film employed full-process industrialized production, from concept design and visual effects to practical set construction, showcasing the highest level of China's film industry. Director Wuershan spent ten years in preparation and established a specialized actor training camp that cultivated a new generation of performers.
The film's word-of-mouth reversal journey has become a classic case study in the Chinese film market, proving that quality content ultimately wins audience recognition.
References
- Douban: https://movie.douban.com/subject/10604086/
- Baidu Baike: https://baike.baidu.com/item/封神第一部：朝歌风云/62955514
- Wikipedia: https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-cn/封神第一部：朝歌风云
- Sina Finance: https://finance.sina.cn/2023-11-15/detail-imzushkw8040383.d.html
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