If we were to identify some highlights in the 2023 Chinese film market, undoubtedly, the summer release of “Chang An” shone brightly among them. Following the success of the blockbuster “Chang An,” the next eagerly anticipated work from Light Chaser Animation Studios is the third installment of the Bai She (White Snake) series, titled “Bai She 3: Fusheng.”
The film has already locked in the Qixi Festival (August 10, 2024) slot six months in advance. When it comes to the realm of adult-oriented animated films, Light Chaser stands alone as the only series to persist into its third installment, there is no doubt that “Bai She 3: Fusheng” is highly anticipated.
Meticulously considered release date
After undergoing the trials of the first two installments, the White Snake series from Light Chaser Animation Studios has firmly established its presence. Not only has it achieved excellent market performance, but it has also become a representative work of contemporary Eastern aesthetics.
After a three-year hiatus, the third installment of the series has finally surfaced and become the first film this year to secure the coveted summer and Qixi Festival slots. The audacity to seize the prime time slot six months in advance speaks volumes about Light Chaser ‘s confidence.
Regarding the scheduling of “Bai She 3: Fusheng,” there is much significance and attention to detail. The production team has put a great deal of effort into this crucial aspect, with small details that not only demonstrate thoughtfulness but also resonate with the entire White Snake series.
Firstly, the poster itself pays homage to the first installment, “Bai She: Yuan Qi ,” with the depictions of Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian reminiscent of the styling in the original film's poster. This instant recognition triggers memories for the audience and effectively connects the entire series. Additionally, the panoramic presentation of the Song Dynasty's bustling streetscape in the poster, with its “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” style, is imbued with a unique Eastern charm. Like “Chang An,” it continues the exploration of cultural value.
Secondly, the chosen release date holds great significance for the entire White Snake series: the first installment, “Bai She: Yuan Qi ,” premiered on January 11, 2019. Since then, the White Snake series embarked on a marvelous journey of Eastern fantasy. Following suit, the second installment, “Bai She II: Qing She Jie Qi,” revealed its title on January 11, 2021, marking the transition from “Origins” to “Rise.”
Now, in the early days of the new year, at this special juncture of January 11th, the third installment of the series has finally made a grand move: “Bai She 3: Fusheng” is scheduled for release on the Qixi Festival in 2024. This date, which runs through the entire White Snake series, also stirs up nostalgia among the audience. January 11th not only brings blessings to the White Snake series but also carries a sense of heritage.
With such meticulous attention to detail in the scheduling and resonance, one's imagination runs wild with anticipation for the subsequent actions of the film and holds even greater expectations for “Bai She 3: Fusheng” in this year's Qixi Festival slot.
The upgraded masterpiece of the White Snake Series
Throughout the entirety of the White Snake Series by Light Chaser Animation Studios, the first installment was a glimpse of brilliance, ultimately surpassing expectations with a staggering box office revenue of 468 million yuan, securing its position as the fifth highest-grossing Chinese animation in history at the time. This film not only reimagined a classic, but also showcased innovation and breakthroughs in relation to the original work. The emergence of “Bai She: Yuan Qi” signifies a new direction in Eastern aesthetics, and also breaks the established impressions of Chinese animated films held by the audience.
The second installment, “Bai She II: Qing She Jie Qi”, serves as an expansion of the White Snake Series, weaving a more daring narrative within this framework. Clearly, the second installment exhibits even stronger subversion and creativity, garnering praise from younger audiences. Ultimately, the film achieved remarkable success with a box office revenue of 580 million yuan during the summer season of 2021, securing its position as the second highest-grossing Chinese animated film of that year.
The previous two installments accumulated a wealth of acclaim and momentum, laying a solid foundation for the third installment. Currently, “Bai She 3: Fusheng” has been scheduled for release during the Qixi Festival of 2024. It is worth mentioning that, in addition to the genre of romance, the film has also incorporated the label of comedy. Undoubtedly, this film will infuse a joyous atmosphere into the foundation of the love story, providing audiences with a romantic and delightful cinematic experience during the summer season of 2024.
It is said that the story indeed continues from the first installment, recounting the journey of Xiaobai as she seeks out the reincarnation of A Xuan – Xu Xian, thus embarking on a new chapter of their fated relationship in the Southern Song Dynasty. The entire artistic and visual style remains faithful to the Eastern aesthetics established in the first installment, presenting a comprehensive return and elevation for the White Snake Series.
White Snake Series, which has always drawn inspiration from the Chinese classical legend, Legend of the White Snake. “Bai She: Yuan Qi” served as a prequel that supplemented this timeless love story, while “Bai She 3: Fusheng” focuses on the main storyline of Legend of the White Snake.
This time, by taking on the challenge of the main storyline, the ambition and prowess of the production team are further highlighted. Chinese folklore stories require successive generations to continue their narratives, and the White Snake Series by Light Chaser Animation Studios is precisely reinvigorating these classic folk legends with stories that are more relevant and meaningful in the present day, thus allowing them to bloom with a brand new vitality.”
New chapter of Light Chaser Animation Studios
The success of the White Snake Series owes much to the efforts and perseverance of Light Chaser Animation Studios. Looking back at Light Chaser's journey over the past decade, it can be divided into three distinct phases.
Firstly, Light Chaser Animation Studios did not have an easy start. Early works such as “Xiao Men Shen,” “A Tang Qi Yu,” and “Mao Yu Tao Hua Yuan” marked the exploratory phase for Chasing Light, laying a crucial foundation. These experiences were invaluable, as Light Chaser gradually discovered a new Eastern aesthetic and established a solid groundwork for future achievements.
Following that, “Bai She II: Qing She Jie Qi” exploded onto the scene, marking the beginning of the second phase for Light Chaser. The birth of “Bai She II” finally allowed Light Chaser to unleash its potential. This was followed by a series of blockbuster successes. The consistent quality and excellent market performance provided Chasing Light with even greater confidence.
Indeed, this third phase is the culmination of the confidence gained in the second phase. Chasing Light's magnum opus after a decade, “Chang An” emerged out of nowhere, as if experiencing a true epiphany. Light Chaser's ambition could no longer be contained, as it began to tackle weighty historical subjects, aiming for the realm of classics and even greatness.
In fact, before the release of “Bai She 3: Fusheng”, Light Chaser Animation Studios has continued to exert its efforts. From the dimensions of folklore, classical mythology, and historical figures, it has reconstructed and promoted the treasures of Chinese traditional culture. Light Chaser Animation Studios has always adhered to the original intention of promoting Chinese traditional culture. Folklore that belongs to the Chinese people should be passed down from generation to generation. Chinese animation should not merely be animation made by Chinese people, but rather, it should tell Chinese stories to the world.
After unveiling their super move, “Chang An,” Light Chaser has received countless praises and overwhelming acclaim. The ability to produce a third installment of the White Snake Series is also due to the continuous encouragement from the audience. We eagerly anticipate that the upcoming film, “Bai She 3: Fusheng,” will continue to surprise and delight audiences.