Chinese AI-Enhanced Donghua Sparks Debate | Mixed Reviews on Animation Techniques

The latest Chinese AI-assisted donghua titled My Burial Shop Can Unexpectedly Buy the Whole World is stirring controversy within film and gaming circles. Released in August 2025, people are split on the film's artistic choices versus its storytelling.

Context and Reactions

The animated series utilizes advanced AI techniques to create vivid visuals. While critics applaud the innovation, others wonder if it sacrifices narrative depth for style. This debate highlights a growing concern in the animation community—does art overtake story satisfaction?

“To me this is a good example of how you can use AI for short cinematic in games,” one commenter noted, reflecting a positive perspective on the technology's potential. In contrast, another user voiced skepticism, arguing, “Why would you watch something for the art instead of the story? Superficial as hell.” This dichotomy reveals tension not only in viewer experiences but also in expectations from animated content.

Highlighting Viewer Opinions

• Positive Sentiment: Several people praised AI's role in enhancing animation quality, believing it offers exciting possibilities for future projects.

• Negative Sentiment: A significant number of comments criticized an overemphasis on visuals at the expense of storytelling, tagging the series as artistically shallow.

• Neutral Commentary: Some shared mixed views, acknowledging both the impressive animation and the underwhelming narrative.

“This might set dangerous precedents for future animations,” warned one critical comment, indicating a shared worry about a trend prioritizing flashy visuals over engaging storylines.

Key Insights

• 🟢 Innovation in AI could revolutionize animation techniques.

• 🔴 Critics point to the risk of neglecting narrative substance.

• 💬 “Art over story? A slippery slope,” stated another user, echoing concerns about future trends.

The Path Ahead for Animation

There's a strong chance the debate over AI's role in animation will intensify. With technology evolving rapidly, experts estimate around 60% of future animated projects may heavily incorporate AI, especially in visual aspects. However, if storytelling continues to take a backseat, creators might face backlash from audiences unfulfilled by style alone. The potential for innovation is significant, but the animation community will need to find a way to balance creative visuals with compelling narratives to avoid a disconnect with viewers.

Relatable Echo from Music’s Evolution

A compelling parallel can be drawn from the music industry in the late 1990s when digital production tools began to transform how music was created. Emerging genres like electronic and pop often prioritized catchy rhythms and beats over lyrical depth, sparking a similar debate about authenticity versus commercial appeal. Just as fans once grappled with the rise of synthetic sounds overshadowing heartfelt songwriting, the animated sector now faces a choice between enthralling visuals and meaningful storytelling, reminding us that every artistic evolution may come at a creative cost.