When it comes to cinema charts, here in the West we naturally look mainly to the US and our own home country. “Paw Patrol” is at the top in both North America and Germany, followed by a horror hit (“Saw X” there, “The Nun II” here) and the sci-fi spectacle “The Creator”. But none of these films are currently the most successful worldwide. Therefore, always take a look at China – this is especially true this past weekend.
In China it is currently a so-called Golden Week, a holiday period when the majority of Chinese people do not have to work – and traditionally this time is also often used to go to the cinema. The cinemas were so packed mainly because there were several top newcomers vying for the audience’s attention. Ultimately, a thriller from a celebrated master director prevailed.
1st place: “Under The Light” by Zhang Yimou is actually already 4 (!) years old
Zhang Yimou, who is usually best known for historical film spectacles such as ‘Hero’, ‘House Of Flying Daggers’ or most recently ‘Shadow’ and ‘Full River Red’, directed for once a thriller about corruption and murder set in the gift.
The focus of “Under The Light” is a young cop, played by Chinese superstar Lei Jiayin (“Brotherhood Of Blades”), who saves his father’s life. The deputy mayor of a (fictional) Chinese city was targeted by a hostage taker who, out of frustration with politics, took over an entire bus and threatened to blow it up. But the officer soon suspects that the disgruntled citizen was merely exploited and controlled by powerful forces. Because behind the crime was an attempt to eliminate his father…
While the officer must work with his ex-girlfriend during the investigation, he also discovers secrets in his family. Chinese-American acting legend Joan Chen (“Twin Peaks,” “Danger and Desire”) stars in a supporting role as the family’s influential matriarch who pulls the strings.
The film was supposed to be released in 2019, but was repeatedly postponed and now appeared in cinemas no less than four years late – accompanied by rumors that government agencies have made some changes so that the film fits well into the government’s current anti-corruption line.
The worldwide cinema top 10
‘Under The Light’ grossed $54.8 million at the Chinese box office from Friday to Sunday alone. No other film in the world grossed as much last weekend. “Paw Patrol” follows with $46.1 million – which was achieved in 46 different countries.
The other rankings also show how strong the Chinese box office was. In third and fifth place are other titles from China: the relationship comedy “Ex-Files 4: The Marriage Plan” (41.4 million dollars) and the patriotic propaganda film “The Volunteers: To The War” (30.8 million dollars). In between it says “The creator“in fourth place with $32.3 million from 49 countries.
The top 10 completely loud the horror movie”Saw X“ ($29.3 million in 51 countries), the Chinese actor “Moscow Mission” ($22.9 million in China only), the horror hit “The Nun II” ($17.5 million in 76 countries), the crime adaptation “A Haunting In Venice” ($10.8 million in 53 countries) and the South Korean mystery thriller “Dr. Cheon And The Lost Talisman” ($7.7 million in two countries).