Wanda Pictures' "Go Away Mr. Tumor" has taken the top spot at the Chinese box office from Edko Films' "Monster Hunt," now in second place, grossing almost 20 million yuan in its first week.
Directed by Han Yan, the film is based on the autobiographical online comic about a cartoonist's experiences fighting a malignant tumor until she loses her battle with cancer at the age of 30. It stars Daniel Wu and Bai Baihe, who also stars in "Monster Hunt."
The film's advanced screening surpassed that of "Monster Hunt," making it the top-grossing premiere at the domestic box office.
"Monster Hunt," while losing the top spot in this week's box office, is still the all-time second highest grossing movie in the Chinese box office, having grossed 2.2 billion yuan 32 days since its release.
The top spot was currently held by the Hollywood film "Furious 7," but with the run of "Monster Hunt" extended until Sept. 15, the hybrid of CGI and live action is expected to garner the top spot before it leaves theaters.
Emperor Motion Pictures' sports drama "To the Fore" came in third after its first full week in the box office. The film is directed by Dante Lam and tells the story of a team of competitive cyclists.
The groundbreaking animated film "Monkey King: Hero Is Back" slipped from third to fourth place after 38 days in the box office.
Last week's number two film, "Pancake Man" slipped to the fifth place after 31 days in the box office.
This week, new films are to hit cinemas all over China. Favorites to win over the movie goers, including "Cities in Love" and "Bride Wars," can be expected to dethrone some of the current top five, as they take advantage of the Qixi Festival.