New Star Wars film opens to sold-out Chinese theatres
'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' - a film that has broken all North American earnings records - opened in China today, opening up the franchise to a new audience where many are unfamiliar with the series.
A strong showing in China, the world's second-biggest movie market, could push 'Star Wars' ahead of 'Avatar' to become the world's top-grossing film of all time.
The latest instalment of the blockbuster film franchise shattered the North American record of 760.5 million dollars set by 2009's 'Avatar' on Wednesday.
However, though many screenings of the film in Beijing were sold out today, filmgoers told dpa they were unsure whether the movie would have a sustained wide appeal in the country.
"We didn't grow up watching the movies like many Westerners have. I think young people in China are curious to discover what 'Star Wars' is about, but I'm not sure the older generation would be so keen," said Andi Cheung, a 26-year-old graphic designer who had a ticket for a midnight showing.
"I want to watch all the previous 'Star Wars' films before I see the new one since, otherwise, I might not understand it," said 33-year-old Helen Lai. "But that's more than 13 hours. I'm not sure I'll have the time."
The first three 'Star Wars' movies were not released to the Chinese market in the 1970s and 1980s, when the country's economy was mostly closed to outsiders.
China still restricts foreign movie imports to 34 titles a year out of concern that opening up completely to the foreign market would damage its domestic film industry.
'Avatar' remains the top-grossing film worldwide, with US$2.8 billion in earnings.
- dpa
For more news and views that matter, subscribe and support independent media for only RM0.36 sen a day:
Subscribe now