Avatar Defeated by Chinese Internet Gamer Home-brew film “Internet Addiction War” – Part 1

Avatar Defeated by Chinese Internet Gamer Home-brew film “Internet Addiction War” – Part 1

February 2, 2010 Source: http://www.bjd.com.cn  - Beijing Morning News

Background Tips

“If you asked me yesterday which film is the best in 2009, I probably would answer “Avatar”. But today, I would certainly response with the “Internet Addiction War”. Only being uploaded online for less than two weeks, “Internet Addiction War” the home-brew film made by some online gamers has become an instant hit. The visual materials were taken and edited from the famous online game “World of Warcraft”. The film in particular jokes about the Chinese so-called “Internet addiction treatment expert” Yang Yongxin, but also references some of the hottest 2009 events in China, such as the Shanghai Phishing law enforcement case, and the “70km/h racing” accident in Hangzhou.

Zero investment on the production, but more shocking than “Avatar”

“We laughed, then cried!” In the past few days, “Internet Addiction War”, a “Shanzhai” (a Chinese term for grassroots representation of a famous production) film made from the “World of Warcraft” game scenes is the hottest hit in Chinese forums. It grabs the eyes and hearts of millions of netizens, and even is seen as a great epic, has gained positive reviews such as “more shocking than Avatar”. People posted millions threads on forums asserting that “we dare shout out even though our voices are too low to be heard”. The villain in this movie is named “Yang You Xin(first tone)”, which clearly implies “Yang Yong Xin(fourth tone)”, the claimed Medical Technologist who uses “Electric Shock Therapy” to treat Cyberholics. This villain is eventually defeated by the Warcraft players on behalf of justice. Other 2009 most popular events being parodied include such as “70km/h racing accident” and “Phishing Law Enforcement”, etc. Many reason are behind the attentions being placed on this “zero-investment epic”. Some explained it with the Statistical theory of “Long Tail”, saying that a hugh population in the bottom of society are being awakened with their desire for freedom.