China Box Office: ‘Once Upon a Time in the Middle East’ Stays on Top as ‘V’ Debuts in Second
Dirty Monkeys’ war comedy-drama “Once Upon a Time in the Middle East” held onto the No. 1 position at the mainland China box office during the Aug. 21–23 weekend, taking in RMB298.8 million ($43.9 million) in its second weekend of release, according to data from Artisan Gateway.
The success of "Once Upon a Time in the Middle East" at the China box office is notable, especially given the crowded and competitive market. The film's ability to hold onto the top spot in its second weekend suggests that it has resonated with Chinese audiences, who are often drawn to movies that blend elements of comedy, drama, and action. As a war comedy-drama, the film likely appeals to fans of Chinese filmmaker Ning Hao, who is known for his work on films like "The Taking of Tiger Mountain."
The film's performance also speaks to the growing appetite for more nuanced and complex storytelling in Chinese cinema. With a reported budget of RMB300 million, "Once Upon a Time in the Middle East" seems to have punched above its weight, earning a respectable RMB574.8 million in just two weeks. This bodes well for Dirty Monkeys, the production company behind the film, which is looking to establish itself as a major player in the Chinese film industry.
Looking ahead, it's worth keeping an eye on how "V", which debuted in second place with a RMB128.4 million opening, performs in the coming weeks. As a new release, "V" will likely face stiff competition from "Once Upon a Time in the Middle East" and other established titles, but its strong opening suggests that it has potential to become a dark horse in the China box office race. With the back-to-school season and the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival, there are still opportunities for other films to make a splash in the market.
Originally reported by variety.com. SalonNews adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.