Stephen Chow must be jumping with joy again because his masterpiece, "The Mermaid," is poised to break another record in Chinese cinema history after already having broken three records. The most recent was breaching the 3 billion yuan mark on the last week of February.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Saturday that China’s film regulator allowed “The Mermaid,” which also broke first-day box office, to be shown for three more months of screening. By Monday, March 7, the all-time blockbuster movie that broke “Monster Hunt’s” previous box office record, would have been screening for one month when it premiered on Chinese Lunar New Year.
With the three-month extension, the movie is assured of no foreign movie breaking its record as the highest-earning Chinese movie. With the regulator’s unprecedented decision, “The Mermaid” gets exhibition through two peak periods in China’s movie season, Spring Festival and summer.
So far, the movie dissed by critics for being confused with its mixed message of comedy and environment protection, has grossed more than 3.2 billion yuan ($500 million) and continues to be exhibited in many China’s movie theaters.
Malaysia Chronicle agreed with critics that the movie seems an unlikely blockbuster movie since its lead star, 19-year-old Chinese actress Jelly Lin, is unknown. Its trailer was also considered not impressive because it showed a man in a drag mermaid costume rather than Jelly Lin.
The normal time given by the China Film Group, an agency under the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, to movies is one month. Producers could seek an extension, but the grant of an extension by regulator could be questioned because China Film Group is also involved in producing “The Mermaid,” according to WSJ.
“Monster Hunt” was given a one-month extension by China Film Group that helped the local movie break the record of “Fast & Furious 7.” However, the three months of additional screening period given to “The Mermaid” had Chinese netizens joking on Weibo that the half-human, half-fish creature, after three more months, would already have turned into a salty fish.