China’s box office revenue during the extended Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday in 2023 exceeded 2.7 billion yuan (approximately $376 million). This eight-day holiday period saw the sale of 65.1 million tickets, with domestic film productions showcasing a diverse range of genres taking center stage. The fusion of the National Day holiday with the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival contributed not only to an upsurge in moviegoing consumption but also to the revitalization of the domestic film market. This article delves into the details of this spectacular cinematic success, highlighting the top-grossing films and the factors that fueled this remarkable achievement.
The Extended Holiday and Its Impact
Traditionally, the National Day holiday in China spans seven days, but in 2023, it was extended to eight days, thanks to its convergence with the Mid-Autumn Festival. This alignment created a unique opportunity for both moviegoers and the film industry. The extra day not only provided audiences with more time to enjoy films but also significantly contributed to the recovery of the domestic market, which had been facing challenges in the past few years.
By Thursday, China’s box office revenue for the year had already reached an impressive 47 billion yuan, marking a new record high since 2019. The success of this year’s holiday releases played a pivotal role in achieving this milestone.
A Diverse Range of Films
One key factor in the success of the 2023 Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday box office was the rich diversity of films on offer. Chen Jin, a data analyst with film data platform Lighthouse, observed, “There were 12 new films set for this year’s holiday, which are rich and diverse and well suited to meeting the demands of audiences with different tastes.” This variety in film genres catered to a wide spectrum of audience preferences.
Leading the Box Office: “Under The Light”
The top-grossing film of the holiday period was “Under The Light,” directed by renowned Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou. This crime suspense movie earned approximately 883 million yuan, accounting for 33 percent of the total holiday box office revenue, according to Maoyan, a movie data platform. The film featured a stellar cast, including award-winning actors such as Lei Jiayin, Zhang Guoli, and Yu Hewei. “Under The Light” delves into a corruption case involving a municipal official and a businessman engaged in money laundering, murder, and other crimes.
Huang Yongfan, a film practitioner, commented on the film’s appeal, stating, “With elements of graft, crime, gangs, and suspense, this film caters to an audience drawn to social topics and with a taste for cold and tough screen aesthetics.” This successful blend of compelling storytelling and a talented ensemble cast played a pivotal role in the film’s box office triumph.
Second Place: “The Ex-Files 4: Marriage Plan”
“The Ex-Files 4: Marriage Plan,” the fourth installment in the popular “Ex-Files” romantic comedy franchise, secured the second spot in terms of earnings, grossing around 618 million yuan. This film continued to entertain audiences with its humorous take on romantic relationships, offering a lighthearted alternative to the more serious themes of other holiday releases.
Third Place: “The Volunteers: To the War”
Chen Kaige’s latest war film, “The Volunteers: To the War,” took third place with an accumulated revenue of 497 million yuan during the holiday period. This blockbuster offered a panoramic view of the three-year War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, securing a high rating of 7.1 out of 10 on movie data platform Douban, the highest rating among the top-grossing films. The film’s historical significance and its portrayal of patriotism resonated strongly with audiences, as evidenced by the story of a Shanghai resident, Zhang, who took her family to the cinema to share this history with her parents and instill a sense of patriotism in her children.
Fourth Place: “Moscow Mission”
“Moscow Mission,” a crime and action film starring the popular actor Andy Lau, ranked fourth with earnings of about 409 million yuan. Its action-packed narrative and Lau’s charismatic performance contributed to its solid performance at the box office.
Fifth Place: “Lose To Win”
The domestic comedy “Lose To Win” followed closely in fifth place, accumulating approximately 105 million yuan by the end of the holiday. While not a chart-topper in terms of revenue, it showcased the diversity of Chinese cinema, offering light-hearted entertainment for those seeking comedic relief during the holiday period.
The Impact of Film on Society
Shi Chuan, vice president of the Shanghai Film Association, emphasized the role of excellent films in addressing societal concerns and questions. He stated, “Excellent films should respond and provide answers to people’s concerns and questions in real life, regardless of the themes they focus on or the story backdrops they are set in.” The success of these films in engaging with and reflecting the issues of contemporary Chinese society underscores the power of cinema as a cultural and social force.
Rising Tourism During the Holidays
Aside from the thriving film industry, the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays witnessed a surge in travel activities within China. Official statistics revealed that China’s domestic tourism market generated approximately 753.4 billion yuan (about $103.2 billion) in revenue during the holiday period. This represented a remarkable year-on-year increase of 129.5 percent and a 1.5 percent rise compared to the National Day holiday in 2019, as reported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
During the eight-day holiday, Chinese citizens embarked on 826 million domestic tourist trips, marking a significant increase of 71.3 percent from the previous year and a 4.1 percent rise from 2019. This surge in domestic travel underlines the enduring popularity of holiday celebrations as a time for families to come together and explore the diverse landscapes and cultural treasures of their own country.
Conclusion
The extended Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday in 2023 showcased the remarkable resilience and vitality of China’s film industry, as well as the enduring appeal of domestic tourism. The success of diverse films, from crime suspense to romantic comedy and historical war epics, underscored the industry’s ability to cater to a wide range of audience tastes and preferences. As Chinese cinema continues to grow and adapt to changing societal concerns, it serves as a reflection of the nation’s evolving culture and values, captivating audiences and contributing to both entertainment and dialogue. Additionally, the robust domestic tourism figures highlighted the importance of holidays as a time for families to bond and explore their homeland, promoting a sense of unity and cultural pride among the Chinese people.
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