"Burning Better Than Dolls" is set for release on April 28! This art style makes me want to drag my roommate along to watch it too.

To start with the conclusion: I’ve already decided to drag my roommate to see this one. Even though it’s not a game, that feeling of watching it together and then heading back to the dorm to excitedly talk about it feels almost as satisfying as winning a round while gaming together. This time, Shanghai Animation Film Studio is bringing Burning Biwa, which has officially been set for release on April 28 and will be screened nationwide on the China Film Art Cinema line.

What draws me most to this film isn’t some spectacle-first approach, but how incredibly distinctive the art style is. It’s the first feature-length hand-painted animation on Xuan paper from Shanghai Animation Film Studio, and that label alone already makes it stand out. On top of that, it incorporates techniques like paper-cutting and sand animation, so the visuals will probably feel like an art homework assignment that suddenly achieved enlightenment—rich in traditional flavor, yet never looking outdated.

And the story isn’t the kind where you can guess the ending after two minutes. Burning Biwa is set in ancient times and follows a monkey named Ranbiwa, who was raised in a human tribe. In search of his mother—and to uncover the secret of “warmth”—he sets off on an adventure to the sacred mountain with his companion “Gougou.” Along the way, they must brave dangerous trials, and in the end, they have to reclaim the seed of fire for humanity from the jaws of the “Beast of Fear.” A mythological foundation like this is naturally perfect for being turned into a grand big-screen spectacle.

What’s wildest is that it’s not just bluffing with an interesting premise. Based on the available information, the film already had its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 18, 2025, and afterward received plenty of praise from both professional critics and general audiences. People have generally praised its audiovisual presentation and artistic design, while also saying its emotional impact really lands. That shows it’s not just the kind of pretty-looking film made only for screenshots and social media posts.

Looking at the broader trend, animated films like this—ones with a strong local aesthetic and the courage to experiment in expression—actually have more and more room for discussion now. In the past, when people talked about Chinese animation, they often first focused on whether it was for all ages or suitable for the whole family. But something like Burning Biwa clearly wants to take a different path, combining auteur-style expression with ethnic mythology and retelling Qiang mythology through a modern artistic language. I really think that’s a direction worth supporting.

If what you value most when watching movies is excitement and that sense of sharing the experience, then my advice is simple: don’t go alone—bring friends if you can. Because the appeal of this film clearly goes beyond just plot progression; there are also visual details, symbolic expression, and plenty to discuss afterward. Watching it with a few people feels more like a late-night dorm conversation—the more you talk about it, the more hooked you get. If all you want is pure popcorn entertainment or straight-up comedy, then it might not be your ideal cup of cola; but if you’re willing to try something new, Burning Biwa will most likely be one of the most distinctive films in the April release slate.