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CJ7
Official poster
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese长江七号
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyincheng jiang qi hao
Yue: Cantonese
Jyutpingcoeng4 gong1 cat1 hou4
Directed byStephen Chow
Written byStephen Chow
Vincent Kok
Tsang Kan-Cheong
Sandy Shaw Lai-King
Fung Chi-Keung
Lam Fung
Produced byStephen Chow
Han Sanping
Po-Chu Chui
StarringStephen Chow
Xu Jiao
Zhang Yuqi
CinematographyPoon Hang-Sang
Edited byAngie Lam, Kendall Murillo Montoya
Music byRaymond Wong Ying-Wah
Production
companies
Distributed byChina Film Group Corporation (China)[1]
Sony Pictures Releasing (International)[1]
Release dates
  • 30 January 2008 (2008-01-30) (China)
  • 31 January 2008 (2008-01-31) (Hong Kong)
Running time
88 minutes[2]
CountriesChina[3][4]
Hong Kong
LanguagesMandarin
Cantonese
BudgetUS$20 million[5]
Box officeUS$47.3 million[1]

CJ7 (Chinese: 长江七号; Cantonese Yale: Cheung gong chat hou; lit. 'Yangtze 7') is a 2008 Chinese-Hong Kong science fiction comedy film co-written, co-produced, starring, and directed by Stephen Chow in his final film acting performance, before he became a fulltime filmmaker.[4] The film was released theatrically in China on 30 January 2008 and in Hong Kong on 31 January 2008.

In August 2007, the film was given the title CJ7,[6] a play on China's successful Shenzhou crewed space missions—Shenzhou 5 and Shenzhou 6. It was previously known by a series of working titles including Alien[citation needed] and most notably A Hope. The film was filmed in Ningbo, in the Zhejiang province of China.

Plot

[edit]

Chow Ti is a poor construction worker, who lives in a partially demolished house with his 9-year-old son Dicky Chow. Ti is eager to save money so he can continue sending Dicky to private school. Dicky is often bullied by other children, particularly by a boy named Johnny. He is also chided by his teachers at school for his shabby clothes.

One day, while at a department store, Dicky begs his father to buy him a popular robotic toy called CJ1. Ti cannot afford it, and the situation ends badly when Ti smacks the stubborn Dicky in front of other customers. Dicky finds comfort in Ms. Yuen, who is passing by. That night, Ti visits the junkyard, where he often picks up home appliances and clothes for Dicky. He finds a strange green orb left by a space saucer and takes it home, telling Dicky it is a new toy. He is hesitant at first, but later accepts it. On the following evening, the green orb transforms into a cute and cuddly dog-like alien creature that befriends Dicky. After playing with the alien, he learns that it has restorative powers after it restores a rotten apple that fell to the ground. Dicky is very thrilled and names the alien "CJ7".

Dicky dreams about the alien helping him gain popularity and good grades at school. In his dream, CJ7 is a genius inventor who creates various gadgets for him. Upon waking up, Dicky expects CJ7 to help him achieve his dreams, but CJ7 does not understand what Dicky asks of him and embarrasses him by repeatedly defecating on him, causing Dicky to become a laughingstock at school. After school, Dicky throws CJ7 into a garbage bin, but soon realizes that he was the one at fault. He rushes back to try and recover CJ7 from the bin, but it has been emptied by a garbage truck to his dismay. Going home, Dicky finds CJ7 sitting with Ti and the two reconcile.

At school, Dicky shares CJ7's tricks with other students while getting into trouble with his teachers. Meanwhile, Ti loses his job when he gets into an argument with his boss, who accuses Dicky of cheating on his test. He returns home, only to find out that Dicky did cheat. He angrily confiscates CJ7 from him until his grades improve. The next day, Ti's boss apologizes and rehires him with a bonus. Ti falls from a great height during work and is sent to the hospital. Ms. Yuen tells Dicky of Ti's accident just after he passed a test without cheating and informs him that Ti has died. Unwilling to believe this, Dicky tearfully kicks Ms. Yuen out of his house. CJ7 uses up all of his power to revive Ti. The next day, Dicky finds his father sleeping beside him, to his joy. As CJ7 had exhausted its energy to bring Ti back, it dies and turns into a doll, which Dicky wears as a neck pendant.

In the end, Dicky sees a UFO descending onto the bridge before him. To his astonishment, many other alien dogs like CJ7 of various colors and patterns emerge, running towards him, led by one that looks exactly like CJ7.

Cast

[edit]
Actor/director Stephen Chow promoting CJ7 in Malaysia

Production

[edit]

As with the title CJ7, the earlier working title, A Hope, referred to the Chinese crewed space program. The mission of Shenzhou 6 was completed in 2006 and the real Shenzhou 7 successfully launched in September 2008.[7] The film had a budget of US$20 million, and heavily uses CG effects.[5] Xu Jiao, the child who plays Dicky, is in fact female. She had to cross-dress to be in the film.[8]

Music tracks featured in CJ7 include "Masterpiece" and "I Like Chopin" by Gazebo and "Sunny" by Boney M.[9][10][11]

Homages and retelling

[edit]

References to Chow's other films are made during some scenes, particularly during Dicky's dream sequence. These references include Dicky using his super sneakers to kick a soccer ball into the goal, which subsequently collapses (referencing Shaolin Soccer) and Dicky flying into the sky with his sneakers, jumping from the head of an eagle, seeing CJ7's shape as a cloud and using the Buddha's Palm, (referencing Kung Fu Hustle). The scene where Dicky tosses away his glasses while they self-destruct is a reference to John Woo's Mission: Impossible 2. On one of the DVD featurettes, Chow cites E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Doraemon as an influence on the film.

a Retelling to the film, titled CJ7: The Cartoon, Was released on July 6, 2010.

Critical reception

[edit]

During its North American limited release, CJ7 received mixed reviews from critics. The review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported that 49% of critics gave the film positive reviews based on 81 reviews, with an average rating of 5.3/10. The site's critics consensus reads, "Eccentric and sweet, Stephen Chow's latest is charming, but too strangely and slackly plotted to work as a whole."[12] The percentage is much lower than Stephen Chow's previous films Shaolin Soccer (90%) and Kung Fu Hustle (90%).[13][14] Metacritic reported the film has a weighted average score of 46 out of 100 based on 18 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[15]

The film fared no better with local Hong Kong critics. Perry Lam of Muse gave a decidedly negative review of the film: 'We go to see a Stephen Chow movie for its great entertainment value and, occasionally, its terrific cinematic panache. We don't need to be told that we are morally superior because we don't have much money.'[16]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award-Giving Body Category Work Result
2009 28th Hong Kong Film Awards Best New Performer Xu Jiao Won
Best Film CJ7 Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Stephen Chow Nominated
Best Visual Effects Eddy Wong, Victor Wong & Ken Law Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

CJ7

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
CJ7 is a Hong Kong-Chinese film co-written, co-produced, directed by, and starring in his final acting role in a . The story revolves around Ti, a poor single father and played by Chow, and his elementary school son Dicky, portrayed by child actor , who discover a mysterious glowing orb in a junkyard that hatches into an adorable alien creature they name CJ7. This extraterrestrial companion, with its magical abilities and childlike innocence, disrupts their modest life while teaching them valuable lessons about family, perseverance, and dreams amid everyday struggles. Blending humor, heartfelt family drama, and innovative —including practical for the alien—CJ7 marks a departure from Chow's earlier comedies like , aiming for a broader, family-oriented audience. The film features supporting performances by actors such as Kitty Zhang as Dicky's teacher and Lam Ka-tung as Ti's coworker, and it was primarily shot in with a focus on Chow's signature (nonsensical) comedy style tempered by emotional depth. Released on 30 January 2008 in and 31 January 2008 in , CJ7 quickly became a hit in , grossing over $47 million worldwide despite a modest budget, driven by strong opening weekends in where it earned $3.9 million on its debut day amid challenging weather conditions. Critically, CJ7 received mixed reviews, praised for its charming creature design and Chow's directorial warmth but critiqued for uneven pacing and overly sentimental moments, earning a 49% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 78 reviews. In the United States, it had a limited release and grossed just $206,678, reflecting its niche appeal outside Asia. The film's legacy includes inspiring a 2010 animated sequel, CJ7: The Cartoon, where Chow reprised his voice role, and it remains a notable entry in Chow's oeuvre for showcasing his evolution toward more poignant storytelling.

Synopsis and characters

Plot

Ti is a poor widowed living in , who toils endlessly at a site to afford sending his young son Dicky to an elite , despite their impoverished circumstances. Dicky faces relentless from his wealthier classmates due to his shabby clothes and lack of toys, highlighting the social stigma of their . Ti, while scavenging in a junkyard for affordable items, discovers a mysterious glowing green orb, which he brings home as a surprise for Dicky, who has been envious of his classmates' expensive CJ1 robot dog toys. Overnight, the orb hatches into CJ7, an adorable, furry alien creature with advanced abilities, including rapid self-repair, shape-shifting into various forms, and granting simple wishes through its magical energy. CJ7 quickly bonds with Dicky, acting like a playful pet, but its childlike curiosity leads to mischievous antics that disrupt their home, such as knocking over furniture or activating gadgets unexpectedly. At school, CJ7 sneaks into Dicky's and causes chaos during classes; it revives Dicky's deceased class pet , earning him temporary , and later assists him in acing an by providing subtle hints and in day event by enhancing his performance with its powers. In one , Dicky imagines CJ7 revealing futuristic technologies, like a device that cleans clothes instantly or solves math problems, fueling his fantasies of escaping poverty. However, CJ7's transformations, such as turning into a or a toy car, often backfire comically, leading to awkward situations with teachers and peers. Tragedy strikes when Ti suffers a fatal accident at work during the collapse of a under , falling from a great height and being pronounced dead at the hospital. Devastated by , Dicky clings to CJ7 for comfort, but the creature's energy begins to deplete as it desperately tries to revive Ti. In a poignant sacrifice, CJ7 expends all its remaining life force to heal Ti's injuries, seemingly dying in the process and leaving Dicky heartbroken once more. Miraculously, Ti recovers and awakens, leading to an emotional with Dicky, where they affirm their unbreakable bond and Ti's unwavering love despite hardships. CJ7 regenerates weakly and, after a tearful farewell, departs to search for its parent spaceship, which arrives as a massive UFO filled with similar alien of various colors. The family's life improves subtly, with Ti finding better work, underscoring themes of parental , perseverance, and the found in everyday familial devotion.

Cast

The principal cast of CJ7 centers on the familial and school dynamics, with leading as the protagonist father figure alongside child actor in a breakout . Supporting performers portray key antagonists and authority figures that highlight themes of class disparity and parental sacrifice. The alien creature CJ7 is rendered through CGI without a credited voice performer, relying on for its expressive communications.
ActorRoleCharacter Description
Stephen ChowTi ChowAn overworked and devoted single father working as a to support his son's education.
Xu JiaoDicky ChowTi's intelligent young son, a student at an elite where he faces due to his impoverished background.
Zhang YuqiMiss YuenDicky's compassionate and attractive teacher, who becomes a romantic interest for Ti.
Lei HuangJohnnyDicky's affluent and antagonistic classmate who frequently bullies him over social and economic differences.
Lam Chi-chungThe BossTi's demanding site supervisor, representing the harsh workplace environment.
Jiro LeeMr. CaoDicky's strict and germaphobic homeroom teacher, who exerts pressure on underperforming students.
Min-hun FungP.E. TeacherThe school's instructor, involved in disciplinary scenes with the students.
Additional minor roles include school staff, construction workers, and Dicky's classmates, contributing to the ensemble depiction of everyday struggles in urban China.

Production

Development

Stephen Chow conceived CJ7 during the mid-2000s as his third feature film to direct, following the successes of Shaolin Soccer (2001) and Kung Fu Hustle (2004), with the goal of crafting a family-friendly science fiction comedy that balanced humor and emotion. The project's inspiration traced back over two decades to Chow's viewing of Steven Spielberg's (1982) as a young man, which sparked his interest in creating a child-focused story; he sought to pivot from his prior action-heavy films toward a more sentimental tale, incorporating personal elements from his own impoverished upbringing to emphasize a father-son bond amid economic hardship. The screenplay was co-written by , Vincent Kok, Tsang Kan-cheong, Lam Fung, Sandy Shaw Lai-King, and Fung Chih Chiang, centering on themes of parental sacrifice and childhood wonder in the context of . planning included a budget of approximately HK$156 million ($20 million), primarily funded through Chow's Star Overseas in partnership with China Film Group and Film Production Asia. Casting efforts commenced in February 2005 and extended through August 2006, prioritizing talented child performers; child actress was ultimately chosen for the key role of Dicky Chow after an extensive open audition process involving thousands of candidates across multiple Chinese cities. Chow took on dual responsibilities as director and lead actor, portraying the father Ti, which allowed him to infuse the project with his distinctive comedic style while exploring deeper emotional territory.

Filming and visual effects

Principal photography for CJ7 took place primarily in , Province, , and , with filming wrapping up by late 2007 ahead of the film's January 2008 release. The production utilized practical sets to depict the everyday environments of the story, including scenes and sites that highlighted the characters' working-class struggles. These locations were chosen to ground the fantastical narrative in authentic, relatable settings, contrasting the gritty realism of urban poverty with the whimsical elements introduced by the alien creature. A significant challenge during filming involved child actor Xu Jiao, who portrayed the young protagonist Dicky Chow—a male role—despite being a girl at the time. To achieve the transformation, Xu cut her long hair short and wore boys' , requiring careful and makeup adjustments to maintain the illusion throughout production. Xu, then just 8 years old, underwent extensive rehearsals for the film's emotional scenes, including difficult crying sequences; in one instance, director instructed her mother to physically strike her to elicit genuine tears, a method that underscored the demanding nature of the shoot for such a young performer. the role proved particularly arduous for Xu, as recreating the emotional intensity on cue was challenging for a child of her age. The construction accident sequence relied on practical effects coordinated by stunt teams, emphasizing physical performance over digital augmentation to capture the raw intensity of the scene. For the junkyard elements, the production incorporated real-world locations to enhance the sense of scavenging and hardship central to the plot. for the titular alien CJ7 were handled by Hong Kong-based studio Menfond Electronic Art and Computer Design Limited, which created a fully CGI-animated character using to convey its expressive faces, transformations, and interactions with live-action elements. The VFX work focused on seamless integration, drawing inspiration from classic like while adapting to Chow's comedic style. The character was animated using keyframe techniques in Maya software to convey its movements and emotions, ensuring the creature felt lively and endearing in approximately 400 shots throughout the film. Practical puppets were also used for close-up interactions, blending tangible elements with digital enhancements during . In , Chow's editing team, led by Angie Lam, managed the VFX pipeline to incorporate these elements, prioritizing a balance between humor and heart. The process highlighted emerging Chinese capabilities in , marking CJ7 as a milestone for local studios in handling complex CGI for international audiences. Poon Hang-Sang captured the film's visuals with a dynamic approach, using wide shots to emphasize the scale of construction sites and intimate framing for family moments. Oliver Wong crafted sets that juxtaposed the stark of the protagonists' home—a rundown amid —with the playful, otherworldly of CJ7, using muted tones for realism and vibrant accents for the alien's antics to underscore the story's themes of wonder amid hardship.

Release

Theatrical release

CJ7 received its world premiere in on January 23, 2008. The film was released theatrically in on January 30, 2008, and in on January 31, 2008, timed to coincide with the holiday period. Distribution in was handled by the , while in it was managed by Star Overseas, a company associated with director . The international rollout began with simultaneous releases in several Asian markets, including the and on January 30, 2008, and on January 31, 2008. In the United States, it had a on March 7, 2008, distributed by , initially in and . European releases followed later in the year, such as in on August 26, 2008, and on November 6, 2008, with additional markets extending into 2009. Marketing efforts highlighted the film's family-oriented comedy and Stephen Chow's star power, with trailers showcasing elements and the central alien creature. Promotional posters prominently featured the character CJ7, and events included appearances by Chow and young lead actor at the premiere. For home media, the DVD version was released in Hong Kong in April 2008, followed by the Blu-ray edition on May 2, 2008. Internationally, the film became available for streaming on platforms like in select regions during the 2010s, with availability varying by country.

Box office performance

CJ7 achieved significant commercial success, particularly in , grossing a worldwide total of approximately $47.3 million against a of $20 million. The film recouped its budget within weeks of release, largely due to strong performances in its home markets of and , bolstered by its release during the holiday period, positive word-of-mouth among families, and star Stephen Chow's established draw as director and lead actor. In , CJ7 earned HK$51.4 million (about US$6.6 million), making it the highest-grossing of in the territory and the second-highest-grossing Chinese-language there at the time of release. It opened strongly with a three-day weekend gross of US$2.1 million (HK$16.4 million equivalent), outperforming expectations for a family-oriented . Mainland China contributed the largest share, with a total gross of US$26.2 million (approximately CNY 182 million), benefiting from its domestic appeal and timely New Year positioning despite severe weather disruptions during the opening weekend. The film's performance there highlighted the growing appetite for local comedies. In , CJ7 earned just over US$207,000 through a limited release. It also performed robustly in other international markets, including US$3.7 million in , and added US$5.6 million from and US$1.7 million from , demonstrating sustained interest in Chow's work beyond core markets.

Music

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of CJ7 incorporates vocal songs and licensed tracks to underscore the film's blend of humor and heartfelt family dynamics, with lyrics and performances that echo the story's themes of adventure and emotion. The main theme song, titled "Little 7" (also known as "7 Kids" or "CJ7" in some contexts), is performed by the Taiwanese pop group S.H.E. (Selina Jen, Hebe Tien, and Ella Chen). Composed and with lyrics by Wendyz Zheng, and produced by Zhi-Ping Wang, the song features playful lyrics depicting the mischievous adventures of the alien creature, capturing its whimsical and endearing nature. It prominently appears in the end credits and during key moments of the alien's introduction and resolution, providing an upbeat, childlike energy. The film also employs licensed pop tracks from the 1980s and 2000s to heighten comedic timing, such as "Sunny" performed by Boney M. (composed by Bobby Hebb), "I Like Chopin" and "Masterpiece" by Gazebo. These songs serve as background cues, infusing the proceedings with nostalgic and lively vibes that align with the film's slapstick elements. A soundtrack album was released in Hong Kong in February 2008 by Rock Records, compiling 12 tracks that blend these vocal songs with select score cues for a complete auditory experience. The songs integrate seamlessly with the original score, enhancing the overall emotional and comedic rhythm without overpowering the dialogue or action.

Original score

The original score for CJ7 was composed by Hong Kong-based film composer Raymond Wong Ying-wah, marking another collaboration with director following his work on (2004). Wong, who began scoring films in 1994 and has contributed to over 50 productions including action and genres, crafted the instrumental music to support the film's blend of and family drama elements. The score features a combination of orchestral and electronic sounds, drawing from Wong's signature style seen in prior Chow projects, to underscore the whimsical antics of the alien creature and the emotional father-son dynamics. It was developed and recorded in Hong Kong studios after principal photography, utilizing a full orchestra to integrate seamlessly with the visual effects during post-production editing. Although the total runtime of original cues is approximately 40 minutes, no standalone score album was released; select instrumental tracks appear partially alongside the vocal soundtrack songs on the official album.

Reception

Critical reception

CJ7 received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. On , the film holds a 49% approval rating based on 78 reviews, with an average rating of 5.3/10; the site's consensus reads: "Eccentric and sweet, Stephen Chow's latest is charming, but too strangely and slackly plotted to work as a whole." On , it scores 46 out of 100 based on 18 critics, reflecting "mixed or average reviews." The film's average user rating on stands at 6.4/10, drawn from 18,400 votes as of 2025. Positive reception highlighted the heartwarming family story at the film's core, the standout performance by child actor as Dicky Chow, and Chow's skillful direction in merging humor with emotional depth. Time Out praised it as a "charming, funny illustration of life that explores the notion of being given a second chance," awarding it 4 out of 5 stars for its blend of whimsy and sentiment. Jim Emerson of the gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, commending 's "remarkable" portrayal and the movie's uplifting messages about and resilience, noting that it effectively shows " is nothing to be ashamed of." Screened at the 2008 , CJ7 generated buzz for its innovative and CGI work, particularly the depiction of the alien creature. Critics frequently pointed to the film's excessive sentimentality, uneven pacing, and heavy reliance on CGI as shortcomings, which often undermined its comedic and emotional beats. Variety described it as a "spotty first foray into family-friendly entertainment," criticizing its sappiness and slow pace that made it "too slight for adults" and not engaging enough for children, while acknowledging its E.T.-inspired charm but finding it less subtle. The A.V. Club's Tasha Robinson gave it a C grade, faulting its "cutesy, sentimentally cloying, platitudinous story" and overbearing moralizing, which felt derivative and preachy. U.S. reviewers often compared it to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for its theme of an otherworldly companion aiding a disadvantaged child, but many deemed Chow's take broader and less nuanced in exploring class disparity in contemporary China and themes of parental sacrifice. The film's strong box office performance in Asia provided some counterbalance to these critiques, underscoring its appeal despite the divided professional opinion.

Audience response

CJ7 garnered significant popularity among family audiences in Asia, particularly in and , where its heartfelt portrayal of a struggling single father's sacrifices resonated deeply with viewers facing similar socioeconomic challenges. The film's blend of humor, fantasy, and emotional storytelling made it a favorite for children and parents alike, emphasizing themes of resilience and familial . On the Chinese review platform , it achieved a 7.3 out of 10 rating based on over 540,000 user votes as of 2025, reflecting broad approval for its accessible and uplifting narrative. In the United States, during its , the movie attracted a niche audience of sci-fi enthusiasts drawn to its whimsical alien creature, though the overall audience score stood at 53% from more than 10,000 ratings. Fan reactions frequently highlighted the film's relatable exploration of and class disparity, with many praising the authentic depiction of the protagonist's hardships in a rapidly changing urban environment. The adorable, mischievous design of CJ7, the extraterrestrial pet, was a standout element, often described as irresistibly cute and contributing to the movie's emotional pull through its childlike innocence and magical abilities. Online forums and user reviews emphasized the tear-jerking impact of the father-son bond, with viewers noting how the story evoked personal reflections on parental devotion and childhood wonder. For instance, discussions on platforms like lauded the creature's for enhancing the film's charm without overshadowing the human elements. Viewer feedback in underscored strong audience endorsement of the film's core family-oriented message, with many appreciating its promotion of values like perseverance and amid economic struggles. In the U.S., limited audience polling during screenings revealed appeal to families seeking lighthearted sci-fi alternatives to Western blockbusters. Some viewers expressed over the film's climax, criticizing it as overly manipulative in its bid for emotional , with the sudden shifts in tone feeling contrived to some. Despite this, the ending's focus on redemption and loss was defended by others as a poignant capstone to the poverty narrative. The release of CJ7 merchandise, including plush toys replicating the alien's fuzzy appearance, significantly boosted fan engagement, becoming popular collectibles in and further endearing the character to children. Over the years, CJ7 has cultivated an enduring cult following within cinema enthusiasts, valued for its departure from Chow's typical into more sentimental territory. Sustained interest is evident in ongoing sales and Blu-ray re-releases, which continue to attract nostalgic viewers and introduce the film to new generations through streaming platforms.

Accolades

Awards

At the 28th Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony held on April 19, 2009, CJ7 secured two major wins. The film received the Best Visual Effects award for the contributions of Eddy Wong, Victor Wong, and Ken Law. was awarded Best New Performer for her role as Dicky Chow. At the 45th Golden Horse Awards in 2008, the film won Best Visual Effects (Eddy Wong, Ken Law, and Victor Wong).

Nominations

At the 28th Hong Kong Film Awards in 2009, CJ7 received nominations in seven categories: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for , Best Actress for , Best Screenplay (, Chi Keung Fung, Kan-Cheung Tsang, and Ivy Ho), Best Cinematography (Pak-huen Kwan and Chi Nok Chan), Best Film Editing (Kwong-Chi Yim), and Best Visual Effects (Eddy Wong, Victor Wong, and Ken Law). The film received one nomination at the 3rd in 2009 for Best Newcomer (). At the 29th in 2008, nominations included Best Director for and Best New Performer for . Additional nominations came from the Student Film Festival in 2008 (three categories, including Best Visual Effects and Best Actress for ) and the Young Artist Awards in 2009 for Best Performance in an International – Leading Young Performers (). Overall, CJ7 accumulated over 15 nominations across major ceremonies, with particular recognition for its performances, direction, and technical achievements in and .

Cultural impact

Homages and influences

CJ7 prominently features homages to Steven Spielberg's (1982), a key inspiration acknowledged by director . The film's central motif of a young boy's profound friendship with a benevolent alien mirrors the bond between Elliott and the extraterrestrial visitor in E.T., emphasizing themes of wonder, protection, and emotional connection amid everyday struggles. Specific scenes echo E.T.'s iconic elements, such as the glowing orb that hatches CJ7, reminiscent of the film's glowing flower symbolizing the alien's life force and healing abilities. CJ7's capacity to restore health, demonstrated when it revives Dicky's father after a workplace accident, directly parallels E.T.'s regenerative touch that mends wounds and illnesses. Additionally, a comedic bicycle sequence parodies the famous chase in E.T., where the alien assists in a high-stakes evasion, blending humor with the original's tension. The film incorporates subtle nods to Chow's earlier works, including visual and comedic gags from (2004). For instance, exaggerated physical comedy and fantastical transformations recall the parody's over-the-top style, such as a scene invoking the "Buddha's Palm" technique amid CJ7's antics. These self-referential elements highlight Chow's signature (nonsensical) humor, linking CJ7 to his established cinematic universe. CJ7 has influenced subsequent Chinese media, particularly in low-budget sci-fi comedies featuring alien protagonists. Its blend of family drama and paved the way for films exploring similar underdog narratives with extraterrestrial companions, contributing to the genre's growth in and . The character of CJ7 itself inspired direct extensions, including the 2010 animated retelling CJ7: The Cartoon, which expands on the original's themes through episodic adventures while maintaining the alien's mischievous, wish-fulfilling traits.

Legacy

CJ7 marked a pivotal shift in Stephen Chow's career, serving as his final major acting role before he transitioned primarily to directing and producing. Released in 2008, the film saw Chow playing the lead character , a struggling , after which he focused on behind-the-scenes contributions, including the 2013 directorial effort : Conquering the Demons and the 2016 blockbuster The Mermaid. This move solidified Chow's niche in family-oriented comedies, blending humor with heartfelt themes that resonated with broader audiences beyond his earlier action-packed satires. The film's cultural significance lies in its role as a trailblazer for Chinese sci-fi family cinema, one of the few such productions in , , or at the time, which helped elevate the genre's visibility. CJ7 became an enduring icon of 2000s Hong Kong cinema, spawning merchandise like toys and inspiring memes that remain popular in , reflecting its blend of whimsy and relatability. Its box office success, grossing over HK$200 million in mainland China alone, provided a foundation for this lasting appeal. On the industry front, CJ7 spurred greater investment in within filmmaking, with its ambitious CGI—budgeted at HK$156 million—showcasing local capabilities and positioning as a hub for high-end VFX work. The production contributed to a box office surge for local films, topping charts with HK$51.44 million and outperforming many international releases. In the , retrospective analyses praised CJ7 for its subtle on urban and class disparities in modern , highlighting the film's portrayal of a father's sacrifices amid economic hardship. Streaming platforms have sustained its visibility, with revivals on services like ensuring accessibility to new generations. As of 2025, no major sequels have materialized beyond a minor spin-off, though CJ7 continues to be referenced in Chow's projects, such as promotional nods in his production slate. The film endures through festival screenings that celebrate Xu Jiao's breakout debut, underscoring its ongoing influence on young talent in Asian cinema.

References

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  16. https://screenanarchy.com/2008/03/exclusive-interview-with-stephen-chow.html
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  21. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2008-01/29/content_6426536.htm
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0940709/locations/
  23. https://www.todayonline.com/8days/sceneandheard/entertainment/chinese-actress-xu-jiao-cj7-director-stephen-chow-asked-mum-hit-me
  24. https://dramapanda.com/2021/01/xu-jiao-recalls-how-filming-cj7-was-just-too-difficult-for-a-ten-year-old.html
  25. https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3038997/remember-xu-jiao-stephen-chows-cj7-co-star-all-grown-and
  26. https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/cj7-hong-kong-action-alien-twist
  27. https://www.animationmagazine.net/2008/01/chows-cj7-puts-china-on-vfx-map/
  28. https://variety.com/2008/film/reviews/cj7-1200536022/
  29. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/movies/07chow.html
  30. http://www.china.org.cn/culture/2008-01/24/content_1240636.htm
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0940709/releaseinfo/
  32. https://letterboxd.com/film/cj7/
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmxPJS7CYZw
  34. https://www.yesasia.com/us/cj7-2008-blu-ray-hong-kong-version/1010735179-0-0-0-en/info.html
  35. https://www.scifi-movies.com/en/short/0000467/cj7-2008/
  36. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0940709/
  37. https://variety.com/2008/film/asia/chinese-brave-blizzards-for-cj7-1117980146/
  38. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/2008/?area=TW
  39. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2008W07/?area=MY
  40. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0940709/soundtrack/
  41. https://ringostrack.com/en/movie/cheung-gong-7-hou/14398
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlcgJVqQCCs
  43. https://www.film-score.com/composers/57620
  44. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDfpKeQvxI4
  45. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/cj7
  46. https://www.timeout.com/movies/cj7
  47. https://www.screendaily.com/cj7/4036979.article
  48. https://www.avclub.com/cj7-1798203895
  49. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0940709/reviews/
  50. https://www.yesasia.com/global/cj7-blu-ray-hong-kong-version-cj7-plush-toy-1-1-scale/1010903382-0-0-0-en/info.html
  51. https://diabolikdvd.com/product/cj7-88-films-blu-ray-region-b-preorder/
  52. https://www.hkfaa.com/winnerlist28.html
  53. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-04/19/content_7692864_8.htm
  54. https://www.goldenhorse.org.tw/awards/nw?serach_type=flim&sc=8&search_regist_year=2008&ins=47&r=en
  55. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0940709/awards/
  56. https://chinesemov.com/awards/2008-Hundred-Flowers-Awards
  57. https://whatculture.com/film/cj7
  58. https://screenanarchy.com/2008/02/review-of-stephen-chows-cj7.html
  59. https://sfrareview.org/2021/04/20/sci-fi-film-studies-in-mainland-china/
  60. https://international.ucla.edu/institute/article/88308
  61. https://www.screendaily.com/hong-kong-box-office-up-by-8-despite-downturn/4042516.article
  62. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/aug/10/sciencefictionandfantasy.family
  63. https://wiki.ubc.ca/Course:ASIA325/2025/CJ7
  64. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6969912/
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