Out of the five top-grossing films in the history of Chinese cinema, three starred Wu. Photo: Visual China Group via Getty Images
DELIVERY WORKERS IN BEIJING TAKE A GROUP PHOTO BEFORE WATCHING THE BATTLE AT LAKE CHANGJIN IN OCTOBER. SOME OF THE BOX OFFICE REVENUES COME FROM ORGANIZED SCREENINGS. PHOTO: ANDREA VERDELLI/GETTY IMAGES
Scholars say that older Chinese films often used women’s sufferings to showcase China as a victim of foreign bullying, and Wu’s Wolf Warrior films kicked off an era when militaristic men are used to embody a proud, confident nation in rejuvenation.“I want to produce a film that makes men want to be real men, and makes women more fond of real men.”
Popular male stars in China have adopted more effeminate looks, which have been criticized as “sissy” by state media. Photo: VCG/VCG via Getty Images