After experiencing an explosive growth in sales in February, the Chinese film industry continues to gain momentum in March.
Compared with February’s focus on comedies, Chinese moviegoers have more room to choose their favorite genres this month. Comedy, romance, animation, crime, documentary and live-action films all hit the big screen in March.
Faced with so many choices, what should you watch? Here are some recommendations for movies worth seeing this month.
One patriotic documentary
Co-produced by China Film and China Central Television, a documentary recording China's achievements over the last five years has become the country's second highest-grossing documentary ever.
Named Amazing China, the film introduces the major developments China has made since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, including the world's largest radio telescope FAST, the world's largest maritime drilling rig Blue Whale 2, and the development of 5G mobile technology.
Since its March 2 debut nationwide, the 90-minute documentary has already achieved box office earnings of 192 million yuan ($30.27 million), according to Maoyan, China's key big data website on the film industry.
From the Chinese blockbuster War Wolf 2 to Operation Red Sea to the latest Amazing China, Chinese patriotic movies have captured the hearts of many viewers.
Two Oscar-winning films
The recent 90th Academy Awards might have left some fans of two mega-hit films -- The Shape of Water and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – feeling disappointed, given they enjoyed few wins relative to the many Oscar nominations each received.
Still, The Shape of Water, was the biggest winner that night, raking in four Oscars, including Best Production Design and Best Score as well as the Academy’s highest accolades of Best Director and Best Picture.
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the fantasy drama concerns a mute janitor employed by a secret government laboratory who becomes enamored with an amphibious human-like creature.
The Shape of Water, which will show in Chinese theaters starting March 16, has won praise for its performances, screenplay, direction, visuals, production design, and background music.
Despite missing out on the Best Picture award, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, which debuted March 2 at Chinese cinemas, has received many positive reviews in Douban, China's leading film rating platform.
It scored 8.7 out of 10 points, based on more than 100,000 moviegoer reviews.
Two worthwhile imported films
It goes without saying that Indian films have successfully captured the Chinese film market in recent times. From Dangal to Secret Superstar to the latest comedy-drama film Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Indian films have developed a solid fan base in China.
By attaching importance to themes such as never giving up, chasing dreams and being yourself, Indian films have precisely reflected the universal values the world longs for.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan stars Salman Khan and Harshaali Malhotra and talks about Bajrangi, an ardent devotee of the Hindu deity Hanuman, who attempts to take a 6-year-old Pakistani Muslim girl home after she gets lost in India.
The Japanese comedy Mix arrives in Chinese cinemas March 9. The lead role played by actress Yui Aragaki will be one of the main reasons for Chinese moviegoers to purchase tickets, as the actress enjoys tremendous online popularity in China.
Three traditional Hollywood blockbusters
If you are especially fond of Hollywood superheroes, then March is definitely a golden period for you, as you’ll discover a feast for the eyes in any of these three films: Marvel Studios' latest superhero movie Black Panther, the science-fiction action film Pacific Rim: Uprising and the action-adventure film Tom Raider.
Visual effects, an all-star lineup and word-of-mouth influence represent the trump cards Hollywood filmmakers play in the fight for box-office returns, and they often work well in China.
It is worthwhile to note that Chinese film stars Jing Tian and Daniel Wu both play a leading role in the films and their participation may help boost the popularity in China.
Hollywood big-budget action films may also continue to accelerate the box office boom in China.
A scene from the film Amazing China
A scene from the film The Shape of Water
A scene from the film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
A scene from the film Bajrangi Bhaijaan
A scene from the film Mix
Scenes from the film Pacific Rim: Uprising
A scene from the film Black Panther
A scene from the film Tom Raider
Source: By Zhang Xingjian | chinadaily.com.cn
