Synopsis

Cast & Crew

Episodes

Reviews (4)

In 2004, visionary Chinese queer filmmaker Cui Zi En delivered a truly one-of-a-kind cinematic experience with 'Star Appeal' – a low-budget, deeply philosophical sci-fi romance that defies convention. The story follows Xiao Bo, a young bisexual man who stumbles upon a naked stranger claiming to be a Martian on a lonely highway. Taking the enigmatic being into his home, Xiao Bo names him 'ET' and begins teaching him everything about Earth: language, art, history, and the complex nuances of human love. But ET's arrival disrupts Xiao Bo's existing relationships with his girlfriend Wenwen and boyfriend Xiao Jian, sparking jealousy and a bizarre love triangle that blurs the lines between species. As ET learns about earthly love, he and Xiao Bo develop a profound connection that transcends physical boundaries. With its dreamy visuals, hypnotic soundscape, and unapologetic exploration of love, identity, and belonging, 'Star Appeal' is a cult gem that charms with its weirdness and touches the heart with its sincerity.

Cui Zi En

Cast

Yu Bin

Cast

Yu Bo

Cast

Romance

Cast

Nudity

Cast

Episode data is coming soon.

4.6

out of 10

184

138

322

martian_lover88

August 2024

9/10

I absolutely fell in love with this strange, beautiful film. The way Xiao Bo teaches ET about earthly love, and the hypnotic scene where they finally express their feelings – it's pure poetry. Yes, it's weird and low-budget, but that only adds to its charm. A hidden gem for anyone who believes love transcends all boundaries.

reel_logic_101

March 2025

5/10

I admire the ambition but the execution is a mess. The plot makes little sense, the acting is wooden, and the low budget shows in every frame. The nudity feels gratuitous rather than artistic. I struggled to stay engaged. Not for anyone who needs a coherent story.

visual_poet_22

November 2024

7/10

The cinematography is what kept me watching. Soft lenses, beautiful silhouettes against twilight skies, and that dreamy, almost painterly quality. The director uses light and shadow to tell the story of two beings from different worlds. It's not a polished film, but it has a unique visual language that I find captivating.

critical_lens_queer

January 2025

6/10

As a queer sci-fi film from 2004 China, it's remarkable for its time. But I have concerns about the power dynamics: a naked, vulnerable alien being taught 'earthly love' by a human. The consent aspects are ambiguous. Still, the film raises important questions about identity, belonging, and the colonialist nature of 'teaching' other cultures.