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Highest-grossing Domestic Films of 2014

2015-03-23

China Pictorial 2015年1期

. Breakup Buddies

Director: Ning Hao Stars: Huang Bo, Xu Zheng

Premiere: September 6, Toronto International Film Festival

Release: September 30 (Chinese mainland)

Box office: RMB 1.16 billion

In 120 minutes, director Ning Hao not only piles up many unexpected jokes, but also incorporates timely Chinese pop culture into the film, establishing himself as the greatest commercial director of Chinas younger generation.

. The Monkey King

Director: Pou-Soi Cheang

Stars: Donnie Yen, Chow Yun-fat, Aaron Kwok, Peter Ho Release: January 31 Box office: RMB 1.04 billion

Only a few chapters of the Chinese literary classic A Journey to the West were adapted to make this film. Generations of Chinese people grew up with the book. The film utilizes considerable digital technology, presenting new visual effects and a reconstruction of this classic story.

. Where Are We Going, Dad?

Directors: Xie Dikui and Lin Yan

Stars: Jimmy Lin, Guo Tao, Tian Liang

Release: January 31 Box office: RMB 696 million

Based on a popular reality show about the relationship between father and child, Where Are We Going, Dad? has proven a successful big-screen adaptation. It moves spectators to both laughter and tears, culminating in a resounding commercial success. Still, some criticized the film for being only an “extended and deluxe version of a TV show.”

. The Breakup Guru

Directors: Deng Chao and Yu Baimei

Stars: Deng Chao, Yang Mi

Release: June 27 Box office: RMB 666 million

Chinese actor Deng Chao and screenwriter Yu Baimei co-directed the film. They showcase their understanding of comedy and ability to spread “positive energy” in the drama, which was well received.

. The Continent

Director: Han Han

Stars: Feng Shaofeng, Bolin Chen, Wallace Chung, Wang Luodan, Yuan Quan

Release: July 24 Box office: RMB 630 million

The road trip comedy was written and directed by famous contemporary Chinese writer Han Han. The directorial debut of Han, The Continent exhibits strong personal style and is tremendously popular among Hans fans.

. Fleet of Time

Director: Zhang Yibai

Stars: Eddie Peng, Ni Ni, Zheng Kai, Wei Chen

Release: December 5 Box office: RMB 545 million

Adapted from a novel of the same time, some critics dubbed Fleet of Time the “Bible of the youthful days of the millennial generation.”The film not only recounts a story about the youth of hero Chen Xun, but also his generation.

. The Man from Macau

Director: Wong Jing

Stars: Chow Yun-fat, Nicholas Tse, Jing Tian

Release: January 31 Box office: RMB 525 million

The comedy crime caper is the fourth installment of the God of Gamblers series with Chow reprising his role as the titular protagonist 20 years after he first played the role in 1994. Some of Chows most representative work on the big screen, the classic Hong Kong God of Gamblers franchise has enjoyed enduring popularity over decades. The result is an authentic Hong Kong-style New Year movie portraying a “God of Gamblers” in a realistic modern world through a wellplotted story.

. Tiny Times

Director: Guo Jingming Stars: Yang Mi,

Ko Chen-tung, Amber Kuo, Chen Xuedong

Release: July 17 Box office: RMB 522 million

Already the third installment of the Tiny Times series, its proven to be a charm in terms of box office revenue. Director Guo Jingming, who authored the novel of the same name, again is right in tune with the mentality of his target audience and his films continue to enjoy great popularity among young fans.

. My Old Classmate

Director: Guo Fan

Stars: Zhou Dongyu, Lin Gengxin

Release: April 25 Box office: RMB 456 million

Every archetypical memory and experience of millennials can be found in this movie. Living up to its tagline “sharing tears, laughter, and youth together,” the film aroused the memories of a generation.

. The House That Never Dies

Director: Raymond Yip Stars: Francis Ng Chun-yu, Ruby Lin, Qin Hailu Release: July 18 Box office: RMB 411 million

Inspired by a purportedly haunted mansion, Chaonei No. 81, in Beijing, the thriller weaves a love story into the suspense. To enhance horror effects, producers opted for 3D cameras exclusively for the entire film. It was the most acclaimed domestic thriller film of 2014.