Satirical superhero movie 'Keep Real' strikes chord with young Chinese

A new summer release, "Keep Real," puts an unconventional twist on the superhero genre, as the film's protagonist is unexpectedly forced to navigate modern workplace politics and bureaucracy.

A still from "Keep Real." [Photo courtesy of Taopiaopiao]

Directed by Xing Wenxiong and starring Bai Jingting and Wei Xiang, "Keep Real" follows a once-legendary hero by the name of Wang Changhai. After defeating an alien invasion, Wang returns home to put together a local superhero squad, only to discover his greatest challenges come not from supervillains but from bureaucracy, office politics and the unwritten rules of social expectations. The film's satire cuts deeper than its action sequences, placing a Hollywood-style superhero into small-town life and social norms.

Speaking at a promotional event for the film held earlier this month in Beijing, writer-director Xing Wenxiong said the film explores the tension between individuality and conformity — the desire to stay true to oneself versus the pressure to compromise and fit in.

"I think the main story touches on a struggle for young people today. After more than a decade of schooling, we step into society feeling full of energy, ready to give back — and then suddenly we're hit with all these rules and unspoken rules that entangle us. In the process, do we stay true to ourselves, or do we go along with the rules to survive? I think every young person today faces this question," the director said.

"So we hope to use a character like Wang Changhai — using the superhero story as a vehicle— to tell a story about the inner struggles that young people face today. That's how this film came about," he added.

Cast and crew of "Keep Real" take part in a press conference to promote the movie in Beijing, July 2, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Table Film]

Protagonist Bai Jingting said he had always wanted to try making a comedy. "I'm very grateful that the director chose me to play this role — a role I've been eager to take on. I feel like I've been preparing for this character for the past 10 years. During filming, every scene seemed to draw on my 10 years of acting experience — the lessons from many roles and various approaches to acting."

The actor explained that he felt his superhero character in the film was, in a way, an extension of his own career, and that participating in the film both inspired him and proved deeply rewarding. "The director once told me that an excellent comedy actor must have the instincts and ability of a writer and director. That was a huge inspiration for me," he said. 

He described the role as a fresh and challenging experience and said he hopes "through hard work, to bring audiences strength and joy in a comedic way with 'Keep Real.'"

"Keep Real" opened nationwide in China on July 3 and had grossed more than 91 million yuan by Tuesday.