The Golden Era has received mixed reviews for its storyline and unconventional style.[Photo provided to China Daily]

"I'm not surprised viewers haven't accepted the film," Mu writes on his weibo, China's answer to Twitter.

But he acknowledges Hui's courage.

"She never stops challenging herself and trying new things."

Hui said in a speech in Hong Kong that she tried the narrative approach because she believes it's an original and appropriate way to convey the nuances of the writer's complicated life.

She didn't know how viewers would react—which is exactly why she adopted it.

China is a tough landscape for art-house movies. Art cinemas are rare, so art-house films must compete with commercial flicks in the same theaters.

Critic Tan Fei believes it's too early to judge the film's value.

"We can find many reasons why The Golden Era hasn't won over the market, such as the length, subject and release time," Tan says.

"But the brave film has dignity. I don't think the box office is the proper measure for art-house films in the first place."