"The Battle at Lake Changjin" A war epic helmed by China's legendary directing trio Chen Kaige, Hark Tsui and Dante Lam, with a star-studded lineup including Wu Jing and Jackson Yee, "The Battle at Lake Changjin" has the potential to be a phenomenal film that sets new box office records. According to its producers, it is not only a milestone for the massive production but also a much-needed film, capable of stimulating the 2021 film market and providing spiritual nourishment for audiences. The film hit cinemas on Sept. 30.
"My Country, My Parents" Actress Zhang Ziyi, comedian Shen Teng, and actors-turned-directors Wu Jing and Xu Zheng come together to direct four short films as part of a new anthology drama. The patriotic anthology pays tribute to average Chinese families across four eras, while honoring their collective memories and shedding light on familial relationships and how parental love can enlighten children. The film marks a notable directorial debut for Zhang and Shen, who are already well known for their illustrious acting careers. The final installment of the "National Day Celebration" trilogy made its debut on Sept. 30.
"No Time to Die" After several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the latest James Bond film, "No Time to Die," will finally be released. The movie is the 25th installment in the popular franchise, known in China as "007." Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the spy film features Daniel Craig in his fifth and final outing as the titular MI6 agent. It landed in Chinese theaters on Oct. 29, and will surely become a hit due to the devoted local fanbase and hunger for a Hollywood tentpole production familiar to Chinese moviegoers.
"Dune" The highly-anticipated sci-fi saga adapted from the 1965 novel by American writer Frank Herbert, which is widely considered to be one of the greatest science fiction novels of all time. The film is directed by Denis Villeneuve and stars plenty of actors who are popular in China, including Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, and Zendaya. It received rave reviews after its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in early September and will hit big screens in China on Oct. 22.
"Saturday Fiction" Directed by Lou Ye and starring legendary Chinese actress Gong Li, this much-anticipated black and white historical spy thriller is set in Shanghai in 1941. Gong plays a film and stage actress working undercover to gather intelligence for the Allies. After its release was delayed for nearly two years, the film was selected as the closing film for the Beijing International Film Festival and will see a nationwide Oct. 15 release in China.
"Love After Love" The arthouse film directed by renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui is another highly-anticipated project that was delayed for months due to the pandemic. It features an all-star cast, including Ma Sichun, Yu Feihong, Eddie Peng and Isabella Leong. Almost eight decades since its initial publication, the fictional story entitled "The Aloeswood Incense, the First Brazier" ushered in the rise of the late Chinese literati Eileen Chang – and Ann Hui's adaptation is something to look forward to, as the director has a glorious and reputable filmography. Its theatrical release date in China is Oct. 22.
"Little Canned Men" Director Yu Fei's "Little Canned Men" tells the story of Lu Xixi and her brother Pi Pilu's burgeoning friendship and subsequent adventures with five men, all of whom are no taller than a matchstick and are discovered from a magical sealed can. Ostensibly a children's film, it will also be a nostalgic treat for fans of the original book penned by China's most popular children's author, Zheng Yuanjie, who sold 300 million copies of his books and magazines in China over nearly four decades. It is the very first theatrical film based on Zheng's book, as he has hesitated for decades to grant any licenses for film adaptations. The film hit Chinese cinemas on Sept. 30.
"Water Boys" Directed by Song Haolin, the film is a remake of a 2001 Japanese film of the same name, which enjoyed enormous commercial success and was nominated for eight prizes at the Japan Academy Prize. The film tells a hilarious story about five high school boys who join the synchronized swimming team by mistake, only to grow past their differences and put on a spectacular show at their local high school's water sports festival. Starring five rookie actors including Xin Yunlai, Feng Xiangkun, Li Xiaoqian, Wu Junting and Wang Chuan, "Water Boys" is a comedic coming-of-age tale with a dash of sports, the perfect recipe for China's young audiences. The film will hit Chinese theaters on Oct. 1.
"Departures" The Oscar-winning Japanese film "Departures" will finally arrive in China after 13 years. The film, directed by Yôjirô Takita, is a drama that follows the life of a mortician living in rural Japan. It was inspired by the autobiographical novel "Coffinman," by Shinmon Aok. When it was first released, the film enjoyed critical acclaim and plenty of international awards to boot, including the 2009 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Its 4K high-definition re-release, set for Oct. 29 in China, will be welcomed by movie fans.
"The Curse of Turandot" The Chinese adaptation of Giacomo Puccini's world-famous opera, "Turandot," is helmed by acclaimed director Zheng Xiaolong and stars young actress Guan Xiaotong, veteran actors Jiang Wen and Hu Jun, as well as French actress Sophie Marceau and American actor Dylan Sprouse. The film adaptation will further explore how a Khan empire conquers a small country called Malviya, which is home to three cursed bracelets, adding more to the plot and expanding this mystery-filled love story into a war and fantasy epic. Still, "The Curse of Turandot" could come off as a bit exotic to audiences in China, and how the film is received remains to be seen. The film will be released in China on Oct. 15.
Animations The film carnival during the National Day holiday has plenty in store for kids too, as there are four animated features to delight younger audiences this season. They are Su Da's "Dear Tutu: The T-Rex In Operation," a theatrical adaptation of a 17-year-old smash hit cartoon series; "Goldbeak" by Dong Long based on a traditional children's game; Song Tinghui's "Tan Tan Meow: The Mermaid Princess" based on a popular cartoon; and an animated American-Chinese co-production, "Extinct," by David Silverman and Raymond S. Persi. The previous three will be released in China Oct. 1 while "Extinct" will hit screens Oct. 3.
Source: By Zhang Rui China.org.cn, October 1, 2021