The animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" has made cinematic history by becoming the highest-grossing film ever in a single market. Surpassing Hollywood giants such as "Avengers: Endgame" and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," the movie has grossed over US$1 billion in China's box office. This milestone marks a first for a non-Hollywood film, drawing more than 160 million viewers to date.
The movie, directed by Sichuan animation director Yang Yu, known as Jiao Zi, is a sequel to the 2019 hit "Ne Zha." Praised for its stunning visuals, cultural depth, and rich storytelling, "Ne Zha 2" grossed more than 6.8 billion yuan within its first 10 days. By February 9, its total revenue, including pre-sales, had reached 8 billion yuan.
"This marks the first time a Chinese film has ever been expected to cross the 10 billion yuan threshold," – Xinhua news report
The success of "Ne Zha 2" signals a remarkable recovery for China's film industry, which faced challenges throughout 2024. The movie's domestic performance over the weekend was hailed as "a major win" for the industry, underscoring its resilience and potential for growth.
"The film proves that a good movie needs a compelling story, sharp storytelling and well-developed characters," – Rao Shuguang, president of the China Film Critics Association
Scheduled to premiere in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand later this week, the film will also expand to Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea later this month. Industry analysts are closely monitoring whether "Ne Zha 2" can maintain its momentum and achieve even greater heights.
"Industry analysts are now watching closely to see if Ne Zha 2 can sustain its momentum and set even higher benchmarks in the days ahead." – Xinhua news report
With its unprecedented success, "Ne Zha 2" has clearly set the tone for Chinese cinema this year.
"The success of Ne Zha 2 has set the tone for (Chinese cinema) for the year," – Lai Li, Maoyan spokesperson
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