Star Appeal
The story revolves around a young man from the planet Mars, who is known as E.T., who arrives on Earth totally naked, and soon befriends a young Chinese man, Xiao Bo, who takes him home and teaches him several languages,…
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.