Chinese films that were big hits in 2016

'The Mermaid', 'Operation Golden Triangle', and 'I Am Not Madame Bovary' are among the top-grossing films of the past year.

Mermaid

Released in Chinese theaters in early February,MermaidIt grossed 3.392 billion RMB (503 million USD), becoming the box office champion in Chinese film history over the past 5 years.The film's total global revenue exceeded $516 million.In Vietnam,MermaidIt also grossed 44 billion VND after 5 days of release andIt became the highest-grossing Lunar New Year film of 2016..

Trailer for the movie "The Mermaid"

This film marks Stephen Chow's return as both director and screenwriter, after a three-year hiatus.Journey to the West: An Unofficial StoryThe film tells the story of a clumsy mermaid who falls in love with a wealthy man, who inadvertently pollutes the lake where she lives.Besides its humorous storyline, the film is also highly praised for its humane message about love and environmental protection, based on the material of a fairy tale.

Journey to the West: Monkey King's Three Battles Against the White Bone Demon

Also released in theaters in early February,Sun Wukong defeats the White Bone Demon three times.The film grossed $182 million after nearly a month in theaters. According to observers on Sina, the film became a sensation thanks to its star-studded cast including Aaron Kwok, Gong Li, Feng Shaofeng, Xiao Shenyang, and Luo Zhongqian.The Hollywood-style action and spectacular special effects contribute to attracting viewers to the theaters. The film is also a touching story about the teacher-student relationship.

The film is the second part of the work.Havoc in Heaven -Released in early 2014, the story follows the perilous journey of Tang Sanzang and his four disciples, with the main challenge being the battle against the White Bone Demon.

Macau Gambler 3

One month after its theatrical release in mid-February,Macau GamblerIt generated over $170 million.Sina commented: "As one of the most popular Lunar New Year films of 2016, 'God of Gamblers Macau 3' brought much laughter to the audience. The scenes in the film were shot in various settings such as hospitals, prisons, villas, casinos... all containing humorous details."This is the next installment in director Wong Jing's hit film series.

Finding Mr. Right 2: Book of love

Having grossed $113.7 million since its release at the end of April,Book of LoveIt became the box office champion among Chinese films about love in the first half of 2016. The film subsequently won the "Best Screenplay" award at the 53rd Golden Horse Film Festival in Taiwan.

The film's success stems from being the sequel to the hit 2013 movie Finding Mr. Right.The newspaperMinh ChauReview: "DirectorBook of Love"It's very skillful to incorporate realistic details into the film, such as the lonely lives and homesickness of overseas Chinese, which easily evokes empathy from viewers." This is a work with a romantic love theme, but it's also very realistic.

The plot tells aboutA Macau girl (played by Tang Wei) emigrates to America and works as a casino bouncer with her father. She unexpectedly meets a successful businessman from Beijing (played by Wu Xiubo). They go from enemies to close friends, and the bridge connecting them is a book.

A spectacular escape.

Released on July 21st, Jackie Chan's film heated up the sluggish late-summer market in China, raking in over 400 million yuan (nearly $60 million) after four days of release. Following that, the film grossed...It grossed 870 million RMB (over 125 million USD) and became one of the highest-grossing action-comedy films of this summer.

Trailer for the movie "Skiptrace"

SkiptraceThe film revolves around a police officer (played by Jackie Chan) investigating a crime boss for 10 years. Things become complicated when the officer's niece (played by Fan Bingbing) falls in love with a gambler under the crime boss's command. In this critical situation, the officer and the gambling addict are forced to cooperate and embark on an adventure.Although the film still has comedic elements, some viewers felt that the action sequences lacked the speed and agility of Jackie Chan's previous films.

Golden Triangle Mission

One month after its release at the end of September, the film grossed 1.11 billion RMB (nearly 160 million USD) and became the biggest action film of the past year.On the film websiteDoubanThe film received an 8/10 rating, with many praising its content and cast.SinaThis is the Chinese version of the blockbuster spy movie.The Bourne Ultimatum, stillQQEvaluateGolden Triangle Mission"Absolutely amazing."

Inspired by a true story of a murder that occurred in the Golden Triangle region of Southeast Asia (the border area between Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand), the film depicts the fight against drug crime in the Golden Triangle by the police forces of four countries: China, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Eddie Peng's film became a sensation thanks to its extensive display of...The film features bloody gunfights, with many close-up shots used to maximize the audience's sense of brutality. Combining real firearms with close-quarters combat, the film creates a breathtaking atmosphere for viewers.

I belonged to you

Also released in late September, "I Belonged to You" grossed a total of 800 million RMB (over 115 million USD), becoming the highest-grossing romance film of the year.

"I Belonged to You" was praised by the Beijing Daily as a moving story about friendship, love, and the lives of a group of young people in the city. "The film has details that allow viewers to deeply feel the loneliness of people in the hustle and bustle of city life," the newspaper wrote. Meanwhile, troastIfengThe film praised the lead actor, Deng Chao, for portraying multiple layers of emotion within a multifaceted character. The blend of outward humor and inner solitude made his character truly special.

I am not Phan Kim Lien.

Since it was introduced in the categoryAt the Toronto Film Festival in early September, Fan Bingbing's film, shown in Special Presentations, immediately attracted the attention of fans of classic cinema.She received the Silver Shell award for "Best Actress" at the 64th San Sebastian International Film Festival for her role as Li Xue Lian. In addition to the acting award given to Fan Bingbing,I am not Phan Kim Lien.It also won the Golden Shell award for "Best Motion Picture" at the event.

The film subsequently earned director Feng Xiaogang the "Award"."Best Director" from the 53rd Golden Horse Film Festival, Taiwan.Chinese film critics consider this to be Feng Xiaogang's best film in many years.

* Fan Bingbing's performance in "I Am Not Madame Bovary"

On its opening day in China on November 18th, the film grossed $10.6 million and reached $28.8 million two days later. The film is currently showing in theaters across China.Analysts predict the film could gross 500 million RMB (72.56 million USD).

Adapted from the novel of the same name by author Liu Chenyun, "I Am Not Pan Jinlian" tells the story of Li Xue Lian (played by Fan Bingbing), a rural woman, and her 20-year legal battle against her husband. Cursed by her husband as Pan Jinlian – a term used to describe a promiscuous and unfaithful woman – Xue Lian is determined to sue him to restore her reputation.

According to VNE