Superheroes fight their way to higher status

"For these young actors, the strict training schedule of six days a week is a crucial experience because the characters they portray have undergone strict training since childhood to master combat with superpowers," explains Wuershan. "The challenges that the actors experience during training mirror those faced by the characters, helping them better understand their roles."

With the movie blending Eastern aesthetics with dynamic action sequences to craft narratives deeply rooted in Chinese culture, the director reveals that he also integrated the film with traditional philosophical thoughts, such as the naturalism ideas from Yang Zhu, a prominent philosopher of the Warring States Period (475-221 BC).

It also incorporates the profound wisdom of Bruce Lee, encapsulated in the action giant's iconic phrase "Be water, my friend", and showcases Lee's distinctive martial arts philosophy of Jeet Kune Do.

As the summer box-office season enters its third month, the film has become one of the most discussed blockbusters online, contributing to the recovery of the Chinese film industry, note insiders.

Contact the writer at xufan@chinadaily.com.cn