Domestic Films Dominate Holiday Cinema as Audiences Flock to Theaters
China's National Day holiday box office surged past 1.1 billion yuan ($155 million) by Saturday evening, signaling a robust recovery for the country's film industry. The eight-day Golden Week period, which began on October 1, has become a critical battleground for both moviegoers seeking entertainment and studios vying for audience attention.
Historical Epics Lead the Charge
Topping the charts is Chen Kaige's war epic The Volunteers: Peace at Last, the final installment of a trilogy exploring China's role in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953). The film blends battlefield action with diplomatic intrigue, offering viewers a dual perspective on historical conflicts.
Dark History and Fantasy Sequels Follow
In second place, Evil Unbound confronts wartime atrocities through its depiction of Japan's Unit 731 experiments during World War II. The third-ranking A Writer's Odyssey II continues its predecessor's success with a meta-narrative bridging reality and fantasy worlds, appealing to younger audiences through innovative storytelling.
This year's strong performance reflects growing consumer confidence in China's cultural industries, with domestic productions capturing 92% of total ticket sales. Industry analysts note the results could signal positive trends for Q4 entertainment sector growth across Asia.
Reference(s):
China's National Day box office surpasses 1.1-billion-yuan mark
cgtn.com