An animated film adapted from an old children's drama scores at the box office

A well-known, decades-old Chinese nursery rhyme has been dusted off and given a new lease on life. Reinvented as an animated film adapted from a children's drama that has been popular for over 50 years, The Magic Aster is producing some pretty magical results.

The film tells a story about a mysteriously magical aster. Ma Lang, guardian of the flower, saves an old man who falls down a cliff while picking herbs. Ma then falls in love with Xiao Lan, the younger daughter of the old man. Da Lan, the twin sister of Xiao Lan, steals the magic aster at the urgings of a vine monster, thinking that the magic aster would bring a wealthy life. This results in a battle between good and evil.

The story was first brought to the stage in 1956, and proved to be a big hit that year. Promoting the characteristics of being virtuous, hardworking and brave, the children's play has impressed generations of Chinese children since then.

Modern twists

To make the classics attractive to people today, the cartoon movie The Magic Aster introduces many new elements that fit the time. Besides retaining the values of the original drama, the movie also sings the praises of tolerance and fortitude.

ALL STAR CAST: Chinese basketball star Yao Ming (left) lends his voice to the The Magic Aster (YUAN MAN)

With a cost of 15 million yuan ($2 million), the movie features advanced special technology in perfectly merging two-dimensional scenes with three-dimensional effects, creating a true fairyland quality.