The 2023 year-end holiday season is shaping up to be a cinematic extravaganza in China, with the film industry poised to showcase its remarkable recovery from the pandemic. The festive period, stretching from November 24 to December 31, is set to see an impressive lineup of over 70 film releases, averaging almost two new movies each day, according to data from the Chinese online ticketing platform Maoyan.
This bustling release schedule is a testament to the holiday season’s significance in China’s film industry, a period traditionally earmarked by top-tier directors for launching their most anticipated projects. These releases are expected to rake in substantial box office revenues, tapping into the growing trend of holiday movie-going. Shi Wenxue, a Beijing-based film critic, observes that going to the movies during the holidays has evolved into a new social custom, reflecting changes in lifestyle and leisure activities among the Chinese populace.
The domestic film sector is showcasing its strength this season. Highly anticipated releases include Wanda Pictures’ “Endless Journey,” the third installment of “If You Are the One” directed by the acclaimed Feng Xiaogang, “Shining for One Thing” adapted from a popular TV series, and the historic action movie “Heroes of Dunhuang.” These films, some already creating a buzz before their release, are poised to dominate the box office.
One such film generating significant interest is “If You Are the One III,” starring Ge You and Shu Qi. Set for release on December 30, this film has already captured the public’s imagination, with related videos garnering over 830 million views on Douyin. Feng Xiaogang, the director, is revered in China and has garnered international attention, with Fortissimo Films acquiring the international sales rights to the film.
Another anticipated release is “Shining for One Thing,” also scheduled for a December 30 release. Adapted from a hit Chinese romance drama, this film caters to younger audiences with its high school romance and mystery storyline. Retaining the same lead actors from the TV series, the film adaptation has already attracted a significant following, with over 1.73 million users on Maoyan marking it as a must-watch. Despite mixed expectations, fans are eagerly awaiting its release, as evidenced by a netizen’s comment on Douban expressing unconditional support.
The film’s pre-sales have been record-breaking, surpassing the first-day pre-sales record previously held by “Detective Chinatown 3” and marking a historic opening day in China’s film market.
International blockbusters with strong intellectual properties (IPs) are also set to make a splash. “Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine,” capitalizing on the Conan IP’s massive fan base in China, is slated for release on December 16. Similarly, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is expected to do well, especially after promotional tours by actor Jason Momoa and director James Wan across several Chinese cities. Scheduled for release on December 20, two days before its North American debut, the film has generated considerable excitement among Chinese audiences.
This blend of domestic and international films signifies a more mature and stable Chinese film market. As noted by Zhang Peng, a film researcher at Nanjing University’s National Research Center of Cultural Industries, the success of foreign films is no longer a given in China. The rise of domestic films in the box office top performance list indicates a developing equilibrium in the production, distribution, and consumption of Chinese cinema. This evolution suggests a more rational and stable development trajectory for China’s film industry, establishing a balanced ecosystem that accommodates both domestic and international offerings.
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