SHINE | 25-Sep-2020 | By Xu Wei
China’s movie box office is expected to surge over the National Day holiday with the release of an array of highly anticipated films.
What’s more, Chinese authorities are allowing cinemas across the country to raise their audience capacity from 50 to 75 percent. Last year, the seven-day National Day holiday accounted for 5 billion yuan (US$739 million) of the country’s yearly box office take of more than 64 billion yuan. Gu Yan, general manager of the Shanghai Film Art Center, said increased capacity will attract more families to screenings and help revive the film market. Since July 20 when Chinese cinemas began to reopen after a six-month hiatus due to the coronavirus outbreak, many have had to endure with few customers. Acclaimed films like the war epic “The Eight Hundred” and sci-fi blockbuster “Tenet” are luring many movie buffs back. Strict public health measures will remain in effect, including online ticketing, temperature screenings, mask wearing and thorough disinfecting. Food and drinks are forbidden in theaters.
Hong Kong director Peter Chan’s sports film “Leap” debuted yesterday. Starring Gong Li and Huang Bo, the film portrays the glories and unyielding spirit of Chinese women’s volleyball teams from 1981 to 2019. During this period, these teams won 10 major trophies — three Olympic golds, two world championship crowns and five World Cup titles. The film’s sets, costumes and props reflect the teams’ development over the years. Stanley Tong’s action film “Vanguard” is scheduled to open in cinemas across China on September 30. The film features kung fu star Jackie Chan and Chinese heartthrob Yang Yang as a rescue team tasked with saving the life of a Chinese businessman after he is targeted by an overseas mercenary organization.
Tong and Chan’s collaboration in action comedies spans almost 30 years with movies such as “Rumble in the Bronx” and “Police Story 3.” “Action scenes in our new film are very creative and impressive,” said Tong. He added that despite how disruptive 2020 has been, many Chinese filmmakers didn’t stop creating new, inspiring works. He’s confident about the future of the Chinese film market.
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