In China, the Spring Festival has earned its reputation as a golden season for films, a perfect time for blockbusters to make box-office records. For all the movie aficionados out there, China.org has listed the biggest titles that hit the Chinese theaters during the revelry.
First is the Stephen Chow-directed science fiction comedy, "The Mermaid." After veering away from the movie spotlight for a while, the title is considered as the King of Comedy's much-anticipated comeback as a director. The story revolves around the romance between humans and mermaids, embodying an environmental protection theme. "The Mermaid" stars Deng Chao, Kitty Zhang Yuqi, Jelly Lin Yun, Show Lo and Kris Wu.
Second is "The Monkey King 2," sequel to the 2004 box-office hit of the same name. In this film, Cheang Pou-soi returns as the director while Sammo Hung replaces Donnie Yen as the action director. The title is regarded as a strong contender considering its star-studded cast (Aaron Kwok, Gong Li, Feng Shaofeng, Xiao Shenyang and Law Chung-him), extravagant visual effects, and the popularity of the classic novel where it was based from, "Journey to the West."
Another title is "The Man from Macao III," directed by Andrew Lau and Wong Jing, and top-billed by Chow Yun-fat, Andy Lau, Nick Cheung, Li Yuchun, Jacky Cheung and Carina Lau. In this new installment, the audience will expect an upgraded film with more actors and family-friendly fun.
"Mr. Nian," an animated feature directed by Zhang Yang, also opened during the celebration. The story, which features Lei Jiayin, Zhou Dongyu, Tao Hong, Zhang Yibai, Guo Tao, Chen He, Liu Yiwei, Shen Teng, Xiong Naijin, follows the adventure of the magical beast of Nian. The title is the only Chinese animation released along with the previously mentioned giants.
Earlier in February, the Gao Qunshu-directed comedy "The New Year's Eve of Old Lee" was also released as a greeting for the festive celebration. The star-studded cast lists Zhao Benshan, Yan Ni, Rayza, Aaron Yan, Wen Zhang, Liang Jing, Zhou Dongyu, Pan Binglong, Zhang Yi, Chen He and Qi Xi, among others.
A roster of films is also scheduled to land on Chinese cinemas in the coming days, including "Kill Time," "Run for Love" and "Boruto: Naruto the Movie," which will be released on Feb. 14.
"Kill Time" stars Angelababy, Ethan Ruan, Rayza, Zhang Chao, Hao Lei, Huang Jue, Suet Lam and Pan Hong. Helmed by Fruit Chan, the title is an adaptation of the Cai Jun-penned thriller depicting a social story with intense love and hate elements.
"Run for Love" showcases the directorial team of Zhang Yibai, Guan Hu, Zhang Meng, Teng Huatao and Gao Qunshu. The five-part film shows various interpretations of love. The film is top-billed by Zhang Ziyi, Eddie Peng, Tong Liya, Zhou Dongyu, Michelle Chen, Zhang Yi, Liang Jing, Wang Qianyuan and MoMo Wu
"Boruto: Naruto the Movie," directed by Hiroyuki Yamashita, stars Yuko Sanpei, Noriaki Sugiyama, Junko Takeuchi and Kokoro Kikuchi. It's one of the few foreign films to hit Chinese theaters this month. The film is an adaptation of the popular Japanese anime "Naruto."
On Feb. 19, the long-awaited sequel of the Academy Award-winning "Crouching Tiger" will come to Chinese theaters. "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny" is a kung fu film helmed by Yuen Woo-ping and starred by Donnie Yen, Michelle Yeoh, Harry Shum Jr. and Jason Scott Lee, among others.
Meanwhile, the film "Legend of Sanctuary," expected to bring nostalgia to generations of Chinese fans, will land on the big screen on Feb. 26. The title is directed by Keiichi Sato and written by Tomohiro Suzuki.