State of the art tech, exciting action sequences, swaggering young heroes … it’s no surprise that the world’s new superpowers have fallen for blockbuster air force films. But can they be anything more than military propaganda?
In an era of rising global tension, there are a few status symbols the self-respecting global superpower can’t do without. Nuclear weapons? Sure. A space programme? Natch. But the latest geopolitical must-have is superficially more niche: a supersonic, hyper-nationalistic blockbuster air force film. There wasn’t a soul on the planet who failed to notice the media sonic boom as Tom Cruise passed overhead with Top Gun: Maverick in May 2022, while its Chinese counterpart Born to Fly came out a year later. And this month India gets in on the game with its own flyboy extravaganza Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan, whose quiff alone qualifies as some kind of national monument.
In the...
In an era of rising global tension, there are a few status symbols the self-respecting global superpower can’t do without. Nuclear weapons? Sure. A space programme? Natch. But the latest geopolitical must-have is superficially more niche: a supersonic, hyper-nationalistic blockbuster air force film. There wasn’t a soul on the planet who failed to notice the media sonic boom as Tom Cruise passed overhead with Top Gun: Maverick in May 2022, while its Chinese counterpart Born to Fly came out a year later. And this month India gets in on the game with its own flyboy extravaganza Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan, whose quiff alone qualifies as some kind of national monument.
In the...
- 1/12/2024
- by Phil Hoad
- The Guardian - Film News
Pole-vaulting champion Armand “Mondo” Duplantis might be on his way to another record, as Red Bull Studios continues selling “Born to Fly,” a documentary feature about his life.
So far, the film has been picked up by Germany (Sky), France (Canal+), Switzerland (3+ and Rts), Norway (Nrk), Finland (MTV3), Spain (Movistar Plus+), Belgium (Vrt) and Estonia (Err).
“We are delighted to partner with broadcast partners throughout the world to showcase this incredible athlete and his sport to global audiences,” said Sebastian Burkhardt, head of partnerships and commercial strategy at Red Bull Studios.
Directed by Brennan Robideaux – who followed Duplantis for six years – it shows his rise from a child prodigy to world champion and Olympic gold medalist. Just in September, he set a new world record.
“Everyone in my town knew of the Duplantis family, but not much about them. The same goes for pole vaulting itself,” said the director,...
So far, the film has been picked up by Germany (Sky), France (Canal+), Switzerland (3+ and Rts), Norway (Nrk), Finland (MTV3), Spain (Movistar Plus+), Belgium (Vrt) and Estonia (Err).
“We are delighted to partner with broadcast partners throughout the world to showcase this incredible athlete and his sport to global audiences,” said Sebastian Burkhardt, head of partnerships and commercial strategy at Red Bull Studios.
Directed by Brennan Robideaux – who followed Duplantis for six years – it shows his rise from a child prodigy to world champion and Olympic gold medalist. Just in September, he set a new world record.
“Everyone in my town knew of the Duplantis family, but not much about them. The same goes for pole vaulting itself,” said the director,...
- 10/17/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Well Go USA Entertainment has acquired North American distribution rights to fantasy epic Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms, one of China’s biggest films of the year.
Directed by Wuershan (Painted Skin: The Resurrection, Mojin: The Lost Legend), the film is the first installment in the planned Fengshen Trilogy, a three-part feature adaptation of the classic Chinese novel by Xu Zhonglin. It stars Kris Phillips (The Monkey King 2), Li Xuejian (The Wandering Earth II), Huang Bo (Journey to the West), Yu Shi (Born to Fly), Chen Muchi, Ci Sha and acclaimed newcomer Naran.
Among the Beijing film industry’s top-earning titles this summer, Kingdom of Storms has earned $375 million in China and remains on release.
Well Go will put the film out in North American theaters Sept. 22, with special Imax preview showings available in select locations Sept. 20.
The first installment of the trilogy’s legendary tale — which...
Directed by Wuershan (Painted Skin: The Resurrection, Mojin: The Lost Legend), the film is the first installment in the planned Fengshen Trilogy, a three-part feature adaptation of the classic Chinese novel by Xu Zhonglin. It stars Kris Phillips (The Monkey King 2), Li Xuejian (The Wandering Earth II), Huang Bo (Journey to the West), Yu Shi (Born to Fly), Chen Muchi, Ci Sha and acclaimed newcomer Naran.
Among the Beijing film industry’s top-earning titles this summer, Kingdom of Storms has earned $375 million in China and remains on release.
Well Go will put the film out in North American theaters Sept. 22, with special Imax preview showings available in select locations Sept. 20.
The first installment of the trilogy’s legendary tale — which...
- 9/8/2023
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The top movie at the global box office last weekend was not “The Flash” or “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.” It was China’s latest homegrown blockbuster, “Lost in the Stars,” which earned $70 million from Friday to Sunday, or $98 million over the four-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday weekend in the country. Counting Monday’s $23.3 million gross and $26 million on Tuesday, the mystery romance has $146.5 million thus far. That already puts it above every summer release in China including Hollywood’s “Fast X,” which has earned $138 million in China since its mid-May premiere.
It’s one more example of how Chinese audiences are showing a strong preference for homegrown movies over Hollywood fare, a conundrum for studios that once counted on China as a growth market. With theaters closed for the pandemic and Western streaming services mostly unwelcome in China’s tightly controlled internet market, there’s been little occasion to connect moviegoers with popular franchises,...
It’s one more example of how Chinese audiences are showing a strong preference for homegrown movies over Hollywood fare, a conundrum for studios that once counted on China as a growth market. With theaters closed for the pandemic and Western streaming services mostly unwelcome in China’s tightly controlled internet market, there’s been little occasion to connect moviegoers with popular franchises,...
- 6/27/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
‘Fast X’ has delivered the biggest international opening of the year so far
World box office May 19-21 Rank Film (distributor) 3-day (world) Cume (world) 3-day (int’l) Cume (int’l) Territories 1. Fast X (Universal) $318.9m $319.8m $251.4m $251.4m 85 2. Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 3 (Disney)
$80.8m $659.1m $48m $392.6m 53 3. The Super Mario Bros. The Movie (Universal) $26.9m $1.25bn $17.1m $698.5m 81 4. Godspeed (various)
$10.3m $135.4m $10.3m $135.4m 6 5. Too Beautiful To Lie (various)
$6.2m $6.2m $6.2m $6.2m 1 6. Evil Dead Rise (Warner Bros)
$5.8m $141.1m $3.4m $77m 65 7. Book Club: The Next Chapter (Universal)
$4.7m $19.5m $1.7m $6.4m 36 8. Born To Fly (various)
$4.1m...
World box office May 19-21 Rank Film (distributor) 3-day (world) Cume (world) 3-day (int’l) Cume (int’l) Territories 1. Fast X (Universal) $318.9m $319.8m $251.4m $251.4m 85 2. Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 3 (Disney)
$80.8m $659.1m $48m $392.6m 53 3. The Super Mario Bros. The Movie (Universal) $26.9m $1.25bn $17.1m $698.5m 81 4. Godspeed (various)
$10.3m $135.4m $10.3m $135.4m 6 5. Too Beautiful To Lie (various)
$6.2m $6.2m $6.2m $6.2m 1 6. Evil Dead Rise (Warner Bros)
$5.8m $141.1m $3.4m $77m 65 7. Book Club: The Next Chapter (Universal)
$4.7m $19.5m $1.7m $6.4m 36 8. Born To Fly (various)
$4.1m...
- 5/22/2023
- by Charles Gant
- ScreenDaily
“Fast & Furious 10” (aka “Fast X”) dominated the mainland China box office with a strong opening weekend and a revved up opening five days.
Data from consultancy firm Artisan Gateway shows Fast X scored $51.1 million between Friday and Sunday, to comfortably top the Chinese box office, with a 58% market share.
Unusually, the film opened on a Wednesday. Over five days, it accumulated $77.4 million.
Imax reported that the film pulled in $8.4 million from China, accounting for 11 of the China market opening, from fewer than 1% of the screens in the market. The figures reflect the five-day score, not the conventional weekend.
The drive-away win was the biggest opening for a non-Chinese film this year, the biggest non-holiday opening in China by a film of any nationality, this year and was within a whisker of the opening weekend score by “Avatar 2” in December.
Those numbers will offer encouragement to Hollywood studios,...
Data from consultancy firm Artisan Gateway shows Fast X scored $51.1 million between Friday and Sunday, to comfortably top the Chinese box office, with a 58% market share.
Unusually, the film opened on a Wednesday. Over five days, it accumulated $77.4 million.
Imax reported that the film pulled in $8.4 million from China, accounting for 11 of the China market opening, from fewer than 1% of the screens in the market. The figures reflect the five-day score, not the conventional weekend.
The drive-away win was the biggest opening for a non-Chinese film this year, the biggest non-holiday opening in China by a film of any nationality, this year and was within a whisker of the opening weekend score by “Avatar 2” in December.
Those numbers will offer encouragement to Hollywood studios,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Chinese cinema makes its in-person return to Cannes this year, buoyed by a bounce-back in post-covid box office revenue, and talking up its efforts to engage with the global film community.
Taking center stage is the China Film Pavilion, set up by the China Film Co-Production Corporation (Cfcc), under the guidance of and with the support of the China Film Administration, and the aim is to share with the world insights and updates into the state of play in the Chinese film industry.
“We hope to fully present the latest performances of the Chinese film industry through the China Film Pavilion and to promote exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese and foreign film industries,” said a Cfcc representative.
The initiative comes at a time when the Chinese film market appears to be beginning to claw its way back toward pre-covid levels following the hardships of the global pandemic and the...
Taking center stage is the China Film Pavilion, set up by the China Film Co-Production Corporation (Cfcc), under the guidance of and with the support of the China Film Administration, and the aim is to share with the world insights and updates into the state of play in the Chinese film industry.
“We hope to fully present the latest performances of the Chinese film industry through the China Film Pavilion and to promote exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese and foreign film industries,” said a Cfcc representative.
The initiative comes at a time when the Chinese film market appears to be beginning to claw its way back toward pre-covid levels following the hardships of the global pandemic and the...
- 5/17/2023
- by Mathew Scott
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3” enjoyed a second weekend on top of the mainland China box office, as all top five placed films remained unchanged and audiences await “Fast & Furious 10.”
“Guardians Vol 3” earned $19.0 million between Friday and Sunday, according to data from consultancy Artisan Gateway. That was a decent week-on-week hold, representing a drop of only 32% from its debut weekend, following a solid but unspectacular start. And it gives the film a total of $58.7 million after ten days in mainland Chinese theaters.
Imax screens accounted for $3 million of the film’s weekend score in China and lifted the film’s Imax total in China to $10.4 million, which Imax calculates as 18% of its China total.
Also holding up well was Chinese-made comedy road trip movie “Godspeed,” which held on to second place with a third weekend haul of $13.1 million. After 17 days on release, it has amassed $121 million.
China...
“Guardians Vol 3” earned $19.0 million between Friday and Sunday, according to data from consultancy Artisan Gateway. That was a decent week-on-week hold, representing a drop of only 32% from its debut weekend, following a solid but unspectacular start. And it gives the film a total of $58.7 million after ten days in mainland Chinese theaters.
Imax screens accounted for $3 million of the film’s weekend score in China and lifted the film’s Imax total in China to $10.4 million, which Imax calculates as 18% of its China total.
Also holding up well was Chinese-made comedy road trip movie “Godspeed,” which held on to second place with a third weekend haul of $13.1 million. After 17 days on release, it has amassed $121 million.
China...
- 5/15/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Box office headlines have lately been dominated by Hollywood movies like Universal’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” which has become the first movie of the year to hit $1 billion, and Disney’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3.” But a closer look at the global box office recovery indicates that Tinseltown does not have the field to itself.
In fact, international films and markets — not the United States — are driving the current global box office recovery. In some territories, local-language titles are even dominant over Hollywood releases. And the overall scale of overseas ticket sales now dwarfs that of North America by more than two to one.
In the first weekend in May, the global box office charts were led by “Super Mario.” But the top 10 ranking also contained five non-English-language titles, according to data service Comscore. Three were Chinese, one was Japanese “(The First Slam Dunk”) and one...
In fact, international films and markets — not the United States — are driving the current global box office recovery. In some territories, local-language titles are even dominant over Hollywood releases. And the overall scale of overseas ticket sales now dwarfs that of North America by more than two to one.
In the first weekend in May, the global box office charts were led by “Super Mario.” But the top 10 ranking also contained five non-English-language titles, according to data service Comscore. Three were Chinese, one was Japanese “(The First Slam Dunk”) and one...
- 5/12/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The opening session box office for Disney/Marvel’s ’Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3’ remains open to interpretation.
World box office May 5-7 RankFilm (distributor)3-day (world) Cume (world) 3-day (int’l) Cume (int’l)Territories 1. Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 (Disney) $282.1m $282.1m $168.1m $168.1m 53 2. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Universal) $68.8m $1.1bn $50.2m $637.1m 81 3. Godspeed (various) $15.4m $98.7m $15.4m $98.7m 3 4. Evil Dead Rise (Paramount) $14.8m $114.8m $9.1m $60.7m 64 5. Born To Fly (various) $11.4m $92.8m $11.4m $92.7m 6 6. John Wick: Chapter 4 (Warner Bros.) $8m $416.6m $5.7m $236.6m 87 7. Detective Conan: The Black Iron Submarine (Toho) $6.7m $65.1m $6.7m $65.1m...
World box office May 5-7 RankFilm (distributor)3-day (world) Cume (world) 3-day (int’l) Cume (int’l)Territories 1. Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 (Disney) $282.1m $282.1m $168.1m $168.1m 53 2. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Universal) $68.8m $1.1bn $50.2m $637.1m 81 3. Godspeed (various) $15.4m $98.7m $15.4m $98.7m 3 4. Evil Dead Rise (Paramount) $14.8m $114.8m $9.1m $60.7m 64 5. Born To Fly (various) $11.4m $92.8m $11.4m $92.7m 6 6. John Wick: Chapter 4 (Warner Bros.) $8m $416.6m $5.7m $236.6m 87 7. Detective Conan: The Black Iron Submarine (Toho) $6.7m $65.1m $6.7m $65.1m...
- 5/8/2023
- by Charles Gant
- ScreenDaily
The opening session box office for Disney/Marvel’s ’Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3’ remains open to interpretation.
World box office May 5-7 RankFilm (distributor)3-day (world) Cume (world) 3-day (int’l) Cume (int’l)Territories 1. Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 (Disney) $282.1m $282.1m $168.1m $168.1m 53 2. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Universal) $68.8m $1.1bn $50.2m $637.1m 81 3. Godspeed (various) $15.4m $98.7m $15.4m $98.7m 3 4. Evil Dead Rise (Paramount) $14.8m $114.8m $9.1m $60.7m 64 5. Born To Fly (various) $11.4m $92.8m $11.4m $92.7m 6 6. John Wick: Chapter 4 (Warner Bros.) $8m $416.6m $5.7m $236.6m 87 7. Detective Conan: The Black Iron Submarine (Toho) $6.7m $65.1m $6.7m...
World box office May 5-7 RankFilm (distributor)3-day (world) Cume (world) 3-day (int’l) Cume (int’l)Territories 1. Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 (Disney) $282.1m $282.1m $168.1m $168.1m 53 2. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Universal) $68.8m $1.1bn $50.2m $637.1m 81 3. Godspeed (various) $15.4m $98.7m $15.4m $98.7m 3 4. Evil Dead Rise (Paramount) $14.8m $114.8m $9.1m $60.7m 64 5. Born To Fly (various) $11.4m $92.8m $11.4m $92.7m 6 6. John Wick: Chapter 4 (Warner Bros.) $8m $416.6m $5.7m $236.6m 87 7. Detective Conan: The Black Iron Submarine (Toho) $6.7m $65.1m $6.7m...
- 5/8/2023
- by Charles Gant
- ScreenDaily
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 debuted to $28 million in China over the weekend, a starting haul that would have been considered disappointing prior to the pandemic, but which many box office analysts would find promising in the current climate.
The James Gunn-directed sequel gave Hollywood its biggest China opening of 2023 thus far, after several other studio tentpoles stumbled (among them: The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Ant-Man 3 and Shazam! 2). The only recent U.S. film to earn more than Guardians 3 — coming close to pre-pandemic earnings potential — was Avatar: The Way of Water, with an opening of $57.1 million and total of $246 million late last year. Ticketing app Maoyan projects Guardians 3 to finish its run with $72 million, down from an $86.3 million total for the original Guardians movie in 2014, and $101 million for Guardians 2 in 2017. Guardians 3 opened particularly well on Imax, bringing in $5.6 million, or 19 percent of its first-weekend total, on the brand’s giant screens.
The James Gunn-directed sequel gave Hollywood its biggest China opening of 2023 thus far, after several other studio tentpoles stumbled (among them: The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Ant-Man 3 and Shazam! 2). The only recent U.S. film to earn more than Guardians 3 — coming close to pre-pandemic earnings potential — was Avatar: The Way of Water, with an opening of $57.1 million and total of $246 million late last year. Ticketing app Maoyan projects Guardians 3 to finish its run with $72 million, down from an $86.3 million total for the original Guardians movie in 2014, and $101 million for Guardians 2 in 2017. Guardians 3 opened particularly well on Imax, bringing in $5.6 million, or 19 percent of its first-weekend total, on the brand’s giant screens.
- 5/8/2023
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” made $28 million of gross box office on its opening weekend in mainland China. That was a solid result in present circumstances, rather than an overwhelming one.
The film easily displaced two of the weaker Chinese titles that had been released a week earlier to take advantage of the five-day May Day holiday season.
“Born to Fly,” a patriotic action adventure about Chinese test pilots, nose-dived by 75% as it fell from a $40 million first place debut to a $11.2 million third-placed second flap. Its cumulative after two weekends is $77.3 million, according to weekend data from consultancy Artisan Gateway.
Love for Chinese romance “All These Years” also quickly dissipated. It fell from a third-placed opening weekend of $18.7 million to a fourth ranked second weekend of $3.8 million and a 10-day cumulative of $36.7 million.
Holding up significantly better was Chinese-made comedy road trip movie “Godspeed,” which held on to...
The film easily displaced two of the weaker Chinese titles that had been released a week earlier to take advantage of the five-day May Day holiday season.
“Born to Fly,” a patriotic action adventure about Chinese test pilots, nose-dived by 75% as it fell from a $40 million first place debut to a $11.2 million third-placed second flap. Its cumulative after two weekends is $77.3 million, according to weekend data from consultancy Artisan Gateway.
Love for Chinese romance “All These Years” also quickly dissipated. It fell from a third-placed opening weekend of $18.7 million to a fourth ranked second weekend of $3.8 million and a 10-day cumulative of $36.7 million.
Holding up significantly better was Chinese-made comedy road trip movie “Godspeed,” which held on to...
- 5/8/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Despite its global box office dominance, “Top Gun: Maverick” never had a wide release in China due to its unreserved celebration of American military might. Ironically, that propagandistic streak is what would have probably made the Tom Cruise blockbuster a hit with Chinese audiences; it has many of the same elements that have defined the country's recent string of slick actioners designed first and foremost to stir up nationalism. So, it was no surprise when China's own answer to the jet pilot phenomenon, “Born to Fly”, wrapped production last May, the same month that “Top Gun” hit cineplexes. More unexpected was the announcement later in the year that the release had been postponed, with speculation being that the studio was worried about negative comparisons to its American equivalent. Now, more than half a year later, the finished product has finally been unveiled. Early box office numbers have been great, but...
- 5/7/2023
- by Henry McKeand
- AsianMoviePulse
‘Return To Seoul’, ‘Pamfir’ also in cinemas.
Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) title Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 opens in 705 cinemas this weekend, and will look to continue the increase in takings from the first to the second film.
The third standalone Guardians film sees Peter Quill rally his team to defend the universe, in a mission that could mean the end of the group.
Chris Pratt, Karen Gillan, Dave Bautista and Pom Klementieff all return with Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel and Maria Bakalova in voice roles, with Screen Star of Tomorrow 2013 Will Poulter new to the cast as Adam Warlock,...
Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) title Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 opens in 705 cinemas this weekend, and will look to continue the increase in takings from the first to the second film.
The third standalone Guardians film sees Peter Quill rally his team to defend the universe, in a mission that could mean the end of the group.
Chris Pratt, Karen Gillan, Dave Bautista and Pom Klementieff all return with Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel and Maria Bakalova in voice roles, with Screen Star of Tomorrow 2013 Will Poulter new to the cast as Adam Warlock,...
- 5/5/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
CineAsia UK has debuted the UK trailer for ‘Born To Fly.’
Lei Yu and a group of elite aviators undergo rigorous training to be recognised as official test pilots. Led by the experienced Commander Zhang, they are tasked with testing the latest fighter jets. As they soar to new heights, the unexpected happens when the engine fails and catches fire, causing the aircraft to spiral out of control. Despite facing near-death situations repeatedly, they persevere and gather crucial data under extreme circumstances. However, with the deadline for delivery of the fighter jet quickly approaching, their
challenges become increasingly difficult. Will they be able to triumph over adversity and successfully complete their mission?
Directed by Liu Xiaoshi, the film stars Wang Yibo, Hu Jun, Yu Shi with a special appearance from Zhou Dongyu.
Also in trailers – Rip-roaring trailer evolves for ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’
Trinity CineAsia presents Born to Fly...
Lei Yu and a group of elite aviators undergo rigorous training to be recognised as official test pilots. Led by the experienced Commander Zhang, they are tasked with testing the latest fighter jets. As they soar to new heights, the unexpected happens when the engine fails and catches fire, causing the aircraft to spiral out of control. Despite facing near-death situations repeatedly, they persevere and gather crucial data under extreme circumstances. However, with the deadline for delivery of the fighter jet quickly approaching, their
challenges become increasingly difficult. Will they be able to triumph over adversity and successfully complete their mission?
Directed by Liu Xiaoshi, the film stars Wang Yibo, Hu Jun, Yu Shi with a special appearance from Zhou Dongyu.
Also in trailers – Rip-roaring trailer evolves for ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’
Trinity CineAsia presents Born to Fly...
- 5/2/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Universal’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” ruled the U.K. and Ireland box office collecting £3.06 million ($3.8 million) in its fourth weekend for a total of £45.7 million, per numbers from Comscore.
In its second weekend, Studiocanal’s “Evil Dead Rise” earned £1.05 million in second place for a total of £3.3 million.
There were a couple of strong debuts in the top five. eOne’s “The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry” bowed in third place with £784,698, while Dg Tech’s Tamil-language magnum opus “Ponniyin Selvan: 2,” also released in the Telugu and Hindi languages, debuted in fourth position with £618,244. Rounding off the top five, in its fifth weekend, was eOne’s “Dungeons And Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” with £575,796.
The other debut in the top 10 was Universal’s “Polite Society,” which bowed in ninth place with £220,278.
Mubi’s “One Fine Morning” added £21,671 and now has a total of £239,856.
Among the upcoming releases, the biggest...
In its second weekend, Studiocanal’s “Evil Dead Rise” earned £1.05 million in second place for a total of £3.3 million.
There were a couple of strong debuts in the top five. eOne’s “The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry” bowed in third place with £784,698, while Dg Tech’s Tamil-language magnum opus “Ponniyin Selvan: 2,” also released in the Telugu and Hindi languages, debuted in fourth position with £618,244. Rounding off the top five, in its fifth weekend, was eOne’s “Dungeons And Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” with £575,796.
The other debut in the top 10 was Universal’s “Polite Society,” which bowed in ninth place with £220,278.
Mubi’s “One Fine Morning” added £21,671 and now has a total of £239,856.
Among the upcoming releases, the biggest...
- 5/2/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
After just 26 days of play, Super Mario Bros. has become the fifth film of the pandemic era to achieve $1bn global box office.
World box office April 28-30 RankFilm (distributor) 3-day (world) Cume (world)3-day (int’l) Cume (int’l) Territories 1. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Universal) $108.3m $1.02bn $68.3m $532.4m 81 2. Born To Fly (various) $40.5m $40.7m $40.5m $40.7m 4 3. Godspeed (various) $31.6m $31.7m $31.6m $31.7m 1 4. Evil Dead Rise (Paramount) $26.4m $86.5m $14.2m $42.1m 62 5. All These Years (various) $18.8m $18.8m $18.8m $18.8m 1 6. John Wick: Chapter 4 (Lionsgate) $15.1m $402.1m $10.1m $226m 87 7. The First Slam Dunk (various) $12.8m $232.8m $12.8m $232.8m 6 8. Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves...
World box office April 28-30 RankFilm (distributor) 3-day (world) Cume (world)3-day (int’l) Cume (int’l) Territories 1. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Universal) $108.3m $1.02bn $68.3m $532.4m 81 2. Born To Fly (various) $40.5m $40.7m $40.5m $40.7m 4 3. Godspeed (various) $31.6m $31.7m $31.6m $31.7m 1 4. Evil Dead Rise (Paramount) $26.4m $86.5m $14.2m $42.1m 62 5. All These Years (various) $18.8m $18.8m $18.8m $18.8m 1 6. John Wick: Chapter 4 (Lionsgate) $15.1m $402.1m $10.1m $226m 87 7. The First Slam Dunk (various) $12.8m $232.8m $12.8m $232.8m 6 8. Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves...
- 5/1/2023
- by Charles Gant
- ScreenDaily
In lieu of any real plot, the film centres on political pep talks and jingoism, making it more foreign policy document than flyboy blockbuster
The pilots in this so-called Chinese Top Gun are mostly top in the sense that they are in selfless support of China’s frontline troops thanks to the emerging technological superiority of the People’s Republic (which would have made for a less snappy title). Another in China’s seemingly never-ending line of propagandistic, government-backed action films, this is only distinguished in dunderheaded patriotism from its American 80s and 90s equivalents by its absence of any functioning sense of humour.
It’s about the country’s next-generation fighter pilots, but the plot is last-generation: promising flyboy Lei Yu (Wang Yibo) is plucked from his unit by veteran Zhang Ting (Hu Jun) to join the elite outfit trying to get “limit data” at high-altitude from the new stealth planes.
The pilots in this so-called Chinese Top Gun are mostly top in the sense that they are in selfless support of China’s frontline troops thanks to the emerging technological superiority of the People’s Republic (which would have made for a less snappy title). Another in China’s seemingly never-ending line of propagandistic, government-backed action films, this is only distinguished in dunderheaded patriotism from its American 80s and 90s equivalents by its absence of any functioning sense of humour.
It’s about the country’s next-generation fighter pilots, but the plot is last-generation: promising flyboy Lei Yu (Wang Yibo) is plucked from his unit by veteran Zhang Ting (Hu Jun) to join the elite outfit trying to get “limit data” at high-altitude from the new stealth planes.
- 5/1/2023
- by Phil Hoad
- The Guardian - Film News
“Born to Fly,” an action movie about the prowess of the Chinese air force and the bravery of its aviators, topped the China box office chart over a weekend that led into the nearly week-long May Day holiday.
Data from consultancy Artisan Gateway shows the film earned $44 million (RMB279 million) between Friday and Sunday.
The weekend as a whole brought in $121 million of turnstile revenue, the fourth highest weekend of the year and weaker only than the three “revenge spending” weekends that drove the Chinese New Year period in January and early February.
“Born to Fly” was followed by “Godspeed,” a comedy road trip title about a father-daughter relationship and the need for inter-generational understanding.
While critics and supporters had described “Born to Fly” as China’s response to “Top Gun,” Chinese state media openly likened “Godspeed” to another U.S. title, “Meet the Parents.” Directed by Yi Xiaoxing who...
Data from consultancy Artisan Gateway shows the film earned $44 million (RMB279 million) between Friday and Sunday.
The weekend as a whole brought in $121 million of turnstile revenue, the fourth highest weekend of the year and weaker only than the three “revenge spending” weekends that drove the Chinese New Year period in January and early February.
“Born to Fly” was followed by “Godspeed,” a comedy road trip title about a father-daughter relationship and the need for inter-generational understanding.
While critics and supporters had described “Born to Fly” as China’s response to “Top Gun,” Chinese state media openly likened “Godspeed” to another U.S. title, “Meet the Parents.” Directed by Yi Xiaoxing who...
- 5/1/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Update, writethru: Illumination/Nintendo/Universal’s The Super Mario Bros Movie has got super game as it levels up to cross 1B$ at the global box office through Sunday. It now becomes the 10th animated film in history to cross $1B worldwide, and is the 10th biggest animated film of all time globally, overtaking Despicable Me 2 and Minions: The Rise Of Gru. The Super Mario Bros Movie is the third Illumination title to hit the $1 billion mark.
The juggernaut powered-up to an additional of $68.3M this session in 80 overseas markets, bringing its international receipts to-date through Sunday to $532.5M. Worldwide, the estimate through today is $1.022B.
Notably, Japan opened this weekend. On 776 screens, the start was a huge $14.3M to score the biggest opening weekend ever for an animated studio movie, as well as the biggest Saturday box office in Universal history – topping Jurassic World Dominion. In only two days,...
The juggernaut powered-up to an additional of $68.3M this session in 80 overseas markets, bringing its international receipts to-date through Sunday to $532.5M. Worldwide, the estimate through today is $1.022B.
Notably, Japan opened this weekend. On 776 screens, the start was a huge $14.3M to score the biggest opening weekend ever for an animated studio movie, as well as the biggest Saturday box office in Universal history – topping Jurassic World Dominion. In only two days,...
- 4/30/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Anime sensation The First Slam Dunk dominated the competition at China’s theatrical box office over the weekend, racking up a four-day opening win worth $56 million. Jackie Chan’s holdover action comedy Ride On came in second with just $3.5 million, while Universal’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie brought in $2 million for a distant fourth place.
The First Slam Dunk, which is produced by Japan’s Toei Animation but jointly distributed in China by China Film Co. and Road Pictures, made the unconventional choice of launching Thursday, but the gambit payed off as the film generated rave word of mouth and made a strong early splash of $13 million on the weekday. The film has received wild acclaim across China’s major movie rating platforms, including a stellar 9.2 from fan community Douban and 9.4 on ticketing apps Maoyan and Taopiaopiao. It’s expected to clear $100 million before its China run is complete.
The First Slam Dunk, which is produced by Japan’s Toei Animation but jointly distributed in China by China Film Co. and Road Pictures, made the unconventional choice of launching Thursday, but the gambit payed off as the film generated rave word of mouth and made a strong early splash of $13 million on the weekday. The film has received wild acclaim across China’s major movie rating platforms, including a stellar 9.2 from fan community Douban and 9.4 on ticketing apps Maoyan and Taopiaopiao. It’s expected to clear $100 million before its China run is complete.
- 4/24/2023
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Trinity CineAsia has acquired rights to Chinese tentpole action movie “Born to Fly,” and will release the film in cinemas in the U.K. and Ireland.
Nicknamed China’s response to Hollywood hit “Top Gun,” the Chinese film follows Lei Yu and a group of elite aviators who undergo rigorous training to be recognised as official test pilots. Led by the experienced Commander Zhang, they are tasked with testing the latest fighter jets. As they soar to new heights, the unexpected happens when the engine fails and catches fire, causing the aircraft to spiral out of control. Despite facing multiple near-death situations, they persevere and gather crucial data under extreme circumstances. But the deadline for delivery of the new plane is approaching.
The film is being released in mainland China on 28 April, in time for the May Day holiday that is one of the three most important seasons in the releasing calendar.
Nicknamed China’s response to Hollywood hit “Top Gun,” the Chinese film follows Lei Yu and a group of elite aviators who undergo rigorous training to be recognised as official test pilots. Led by the experienced Commander Zhang, they are tasked with testing the latest fighter jets. As they soar to new heights, the unexpected happens when the engine fails and catches fire, causing the aircraft to spiral out of control. Despite facing multiple near-death situations, they persevere and gather crucial data under extreme circumstances. But the deadline for delivery of the new plane is approaching.
The film is being released in mainland China on 28 April, in time for the May Day holiday that is one of the three most important seasons in the releasing calendar.
- 4/21/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
"If you're afraid, it's not too late to leave." Well Go USA has revealed an official US trailer for the Chinese action movie titled Born to Fly, made by a first-time filmmaker named Liu Xiaoshi. The original Chinese title translates to King of the Sky, so this Born to Fly is the new US release title for it. The story of a special operations team headed by elite pilots, being ordered to test new fighter jets. Test flight after test flight, they continue to challenge the sky and the limits of themselves. After a threat arises mid-air, an elite test pilot is forced to test his own physical and psychological limits in order to survive. The film stars Wang Yibo, Hu Jun, Yu Shi, and Zhou Dongyu. They don't say it but this is so clearly China's attempt at Top Gun, with so many similar shots and plot beats, though...
- 4/4/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The 2023 edition of the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (Filmart) has re-established itself as the largest film trading market in the region, and the most influential, with organizers reporting that 700 exhibitors have taken residence inside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition for the gathering that runs through Thursday.
For the first in-person event since 2019, those organizers at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council are also confident that more than 9,000 buyers from all over the world will make the rounds this year, helping to re-stimulate the global film industry, post-pandemic, as normalcy returns and both box office and production numbers continue on the uptick both this year, and in the future. In keeping with the times, Filmart is also maintaining an online presence for those unable to make the trip to Hong Kong.
The China Film Co-production Corporation (Cfcc) has set up China Film Pavilion front and center for this year’s event,...
For the first in-person event since 2019, those organizers at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council are also confident that more than 9,000 buyers from all over the world will make the rounds this year, helping to re-stimulate the global film industry, post-pandemic, as normalcy returns and both box office and production numbers continue on the uptick both this year, and in the future. In keeping with the times, Filmart is also maintaining an online presence for those unable to make the trip to Hong Kong.
The China Film Co-production Corporation (Cfcc) has set up China Film Pavilion front and center for this year’s event,...
- 3/14/2023
- by Mathew Scott
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Three all new celebrities in disguise hit “The Masked Singer” stage on Wednesday night’s Season 9 premiere. After rocking out to “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake, Mustang lost the Battle Royale to Medusa and was forced to unmask, revealing country superstar and multi-platinum recording artist Sara Evans. The panel consisting of Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy, Ken Jeong and Nicole Scherzinger failed to correctly guess the “Born to Fly” singer was right in front of them.
See Everything to know about ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 9
“I love the show and I don’t think there’s enough country artists represented, ” she told host Nick Cannon during her unmasked interview. “It was so fun!” Sara revealed she hadn’t even told her family she was participating on the show. “I have three children and we’re gonna watch it together.”
Prior to Sara’s reveal, the panelists submitted final guesses as...
See Everything to know about ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 9
“I love the show and I don’t think there’s enough country artists represented, ” she told host Nick Cannon during her unmasked interview. “It was so fun!” Sara revealed she hadn’t even told her family she was participating on the show. “I have three children and we’re gonna watch it together.”
Prior to Sara’s reveal, the panelists submitted final guesses as...
- 2/16/2023
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
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