Animated hit 'All Wishes Come True' reimagines the Eight Immortals

Chinese animated film All Wishes Come True has become a standout hit of this year's summer movie season. Four days after its release, its total box-office earnings, including pre-sales, had exceeded 322 million yuan (about $47 million), according to ticketing platform Maoyan.

Rather than retelling the well-known legend of the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, All Wishes Come True imagines what happened before they became legendary figures. The story follows eight ordinary people who meet by chance and embark on an unexpected journey. Through a series of challenges, they gradually discover their strengths and eventually become the Eight Immortals known to generations of Chinese people.

The Eight Immortals are among the best-known figures in Chinese folklore. According to traditional legends, they were once ordinary people who attained immortality after going through different life experiences and pursuing spiritual growth.

The film keeps the core of the Eight Immortals legend but tells it from a fresh perspective. Before becoming immortals, the characters are ordinary people with different personalities and flaws, making their journey easier for audiences to relate to.

Traditional Chinese aesthetics are also reflected in the film's visual design. From landscapes inspired by classical paintings to the mythical world of Penglai, many of its visual details draw from Chinese culture.