Detecting a winning formula

For instance, the plot revolves around the investigation and solving of a locked-room mystery, a genre which is popular among young fans of crime fiction.

The movie also presents a cosplay show where the audience can see characters from Calabash Brothers, Saint Seiya, Chibi Maruko-chan and other Chinese or Japanese animations that are ingrained in the childhood memories of the post-1990s generation, he says.

Older audience members, such as those born after 1970, can also discern an air of nostalgia from seeing some iconic Japanese stars in the latest Chinese detective movie, including Tomokazu Miura and Honami Suzuki, known to Chinese fans for their roles in the runaway hit Akai Giwaku, and the 1991 TV series Tokyo Love Story, respectively.

"These icons of yesteryear help to recall the beautiful memories of many middle-aged audience members," says Wu, adding that the movie's producers have a clear understanding of the demands of moviegoers.

Yin Hong, vice-chairman of China Film Association, pointed out that franchises like The Fast and the Furious, James Bond, the Marvel Cinematic Universe and other renowned films have laid the foundation of the thriving Hollywood business and fueled its sustainable development.

"Their continuity somehow meets the emotional needs of the audience," he says.

As more characters and clues emerge in Detective Chinatown 3, two opposing camps, the good and the evil, have been gradually forming to shape a "cinematic detective universe" in a Chinese style. A larger picture of stories that fits in with people's common values will unfold, he adds.

"China's film industry is also exploring the creation of its own film IP as it matures, and the Detective Chinatown franchise is an important step in that exploration," he says, adding that the popularity of the franchise has also been enhanced by a 12-episode online series of the same title, which has gained 7.5 points out of 10 on the review site Douban, considered a barometer of domestic popularity.

"I hope the franchise will give a well-rounded portrayal of Chinese detectives, grow into a carrier of the wisdom, lifestyles and values of Chinese people and become a successful IP for Chinese-style detective films."