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August 29, 2024

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September cinema surge: upcoming film frenzy preview

Box office receipts for China’s golden summer slot have topped 11 billion yuan (US$1.54 billion), according to box office tracker Dengta Data.

The five highest-grossing films from June to August are the comedy “Successor,” the crime thriller “A Place Called Silence,” the drama “Moments We Shared,” the sci-fi thriller “Alien: Romulus,” and the sci-fi comedy “Deadpool & Wolverine.”

“Successor” topped the box office charts with 3.2 billion yuan, accounting for almost 29 percent of overall summer box office income. It has also sparked Internet debates over schooling and parent-child relationships.

In recent years, many Chinese stories have resonated strongly with audiences thanks to an in-depth exploration of humanity, distinct Chinese aesthetics and innovative cinematography.

The success of Chinese productions, such as the sci-fi franchise “The Wandering Earth” and the hit action role-playing game “Black Myth: Wukong,” demonstrates that the country’s culture and history have become remarkable sources of inspiration for the entertainment industry.

September brings an exciting lineup of film releases, as detailed below.

The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru

Release date: September 6

The documentary film by Chinese marine scientist Fang Li reveals a previously unknown historical event: how over 250 Chinese fishermen from Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, sacrificed their lives to save 384 foreign passengers from the sinking Lisbon Maru in 1942. Fang spent eight years gathering historical information and meeting with historians, Chinese fishermen, the ship’s survivors and their relatives for the film. The film premiered at the 26th Shanghai International Film Festival in June.

Wonderful Youth

Release date: September 7

Directed by Ju Xingmao, this sports film tells the inspiring tale of a high school basketball team from Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province. It captures the essence of youth, sportsmanship, friendship, and faith as it follows a group of teenagers chasing their dreams and experiencing the transformative power of ambition and growth.

Speak No Evil

Release date: September 14

British filmmaker James Watkins’ remake of a Danish film is about an American family’s weekend dream vacation in a beautiful country house turning into a psychological nightmare. At the country house, they discover the evil secrets of the British family who invited them. The BAFTA award-winning actor James McAvoy plays the lead role in the film.

All Suspects

Release date: September 15

Adapted from a novel by Japanese suspense writer Seiichirou Oyama, the film focuses on murder cases at a homestay where a cop, a detective author, a homeless guy and a pianist happen to spend the night. Following the deaths of the guesthouse owner and hostess, the real identities of all the characters are shrouded in mystery. Reasoning skills help in uncovering previously unknown secrets.

A Frozen Rage

Release date: September 15

Qiao Shan and Ma Li feature in the comic-crime film about a man’s revenge for the suffering of his younger brother who was badly injured in a car accident 15 years ago. After years of investigation, he finds the offender in a village and hiding behind a gang. His neighbors join him in his quest for revenge.

The Wild Robot

Release date: September 20

The American sci-fi animated film, directed by Chris Sanders, tells the story of the intelligent robot Roz’s adventures on a deserted island following a shipwreck. Despite the difficult terrain and aggressive species, Roz develops close relationships with the creatures on the island and eventually integrates into a large family there. At the same time, her mysterious past is revealed.

Give You A Candy

Release date: September 30

Based on a true story, the film follows a death row inmate’s critical choice when an earthquake collapses the detention center. Amidst the chaos, a police officer takes the initiative to assemble a daring rescue mission. The condemned man stands at a crossroads, torn between the allure of freedom and the moral imperative to save lives. Directed by Liu Jiangjiang.

High Forces

Release date: September 30

In Peng Shun’s high-octane thriller, starring Andy Lau and Zhang Zifeng, a luxury A380’s maiden voyage turns into a battle against hijackers at 10,000 feet. An international security expert and his daughter team up to outwit the criminals in the confined spaces of the plane’s seats, corridors, and toilets.




 

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