Youku's productions set on popular culture symbols

Chinese video-streaming giant Youku Tudou recently announced its film lineup for 2015. But with the surprising absence of big stars and fancy subjects, the six films announced appear more like a collection of popular culture symbols.

Gardenia Blossom, for instance, takes its name from the one-time hit song sung by entertainment host He Jiong in sweet memory of his college life. Now, a feature film on the same subject will be directed by He himself. The next film, Absolutely Unexpected, is adapted from an online video series, which is now in its second season.

Another two films in this year's lineup are based on a popular drama and a hit comedy series, respectively.