The 2026 Lunar New Year box office season has begun to reveal both ratings and audience reactions, with a mix of expected successes and surprising setbacks. Among the top releases, Pegasus 3 currently holds the highest score with a 7.6 rating, followed by Blades of the Guardians with above 7.5, and Per Aspera Ad Astra at 7.0. By contrast, Silent Awakening lags behind with a 6.3 score, making it the lowest-rated among the key new live-action films.
Beyond ratings, Silent Awakening has drawn attention for its box office performance. Despite ranking second in daily revenue, it reportedly has the lowest seat occupancy among the major high-grossing films in the lineup. With screenings accounting for over 20 percent of total showings but only about 15 percent of overall revenue, the film’s performance has sparked debate about audience interest and market reception.
Before release, expectations were high. Lead actor Jackson Yee publicly expressed hopes that the film might surpass previous successes from his collaborations with director Zhang Yimou. However, current projections suggest that even moderate box office targets may be challenging to reach.
A significant part of the controversy centers on the film’s marketing strategy. Some viewers have criticized the promotional materials for placing excessive emphasis on Yang Mi’s physical appearance and suggestive plot moments, arguing that this focus distracts from the film’s primary theme of modern espionage and national security. Clips and short-form videos highlighting seductive sequences have triggered mixed reactions, with some audience members expressing discomfort with the approach.
In the story itself, characters portrayed by Yang Mi and Liu Shishi are embedded in emotionally and politically complex situations. Yet critics argue that aspects of their characterization appear rooted in familiar tropes—such as the suffering wife or enigmatic seductress—raising broader concerns about the representation of female roles in high-profile productions. Many feel these portrayals prioritize aesthetic appeal over fully developed motivations, leading to resistance from some viewers.
Zhang Yimou, renowned for his extensive and influential body of work, has previously faced discussion over his depiction of female characters in other films. The debate surrounding Silent Awakening has reignited these broader conversations, particularly in light of evolving audience expectations for more nuanced roles.
As the Lunar New Year competition continues, attention is likely to focus on how the film’s marketing and audience perceptions evolve. With a strong cast that includes Jackson Yee, Zhu Yilong, and Song Jia, some commentators suggest promotional efforts could benefit from highlighting performance and narrative depth rather than controversial framing.
Ultimately, Silent Awakening’s success will depend not just on box office figures, but also on how viewers connect with its storytelling and character development in the weeks ahead.
