Despite stiff competition from high-quality domestic films, “Lost in Hong Kong” retained its position at the top of China’s box office during the National Day holiday season, one of the country’s busiest movie-going periods of the year.
Shanghai actor-director Xu Zheng's road comedy movie grossed $102 million this week, a slight drop from its massive $107 million debut in late September, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The film's $209-million haul after 10 days makes it the fifth highest-grossing film in China, surpassing its predecessor, "Lost in Thailand," which reeled in a record-breaking $208 million in 2012 to hold the title for the high-grossing Chinese film ever for over two years.
In contrast, Hollywood films took less than 5 percent of the week's total earnings, overshadowed by Chinese counterparts that dominated the top of the charts.
The special effects-heavy sci-fi fantasy "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" bagged second place in the box office with $66 million for a five-day total of $69 million.
"Goodbye Mr. Loser," another comedy, claimed third place with $40 million to bump its total earnings to $42 million, including preview screenings.
Andy Lau's crime thriller, "Saving Mr. Wu," was the only sore spot in the domestic offerings as it raked in a paltry $15 million during its opening week, a performance that would have been considered huge five years ago, when China's yearly box-office earnings was around 25 percent of what it is today.
For Hollywood titles, "Minions" remains the top title for the week running Sept. 28 to Oct. 4. DreamWorks's 3D-animated film grossed $6.19 million, bringing its revenue in China after 22 days to a total of $65.68 million.
"Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" added $3.33 million to its $135.29 total in China after 27 days.
The next major Hollywood release to hit Chinese theaters will be Marvel's "Ant-Man" on Oct. 16.