A special IMAX screening of the historical drama "Dead to Rights" is held at MOViE MOViE IMAX Theater in Shanghai. The film has topped the summertime box office chart.
China's box office receipts in the summer vacation have already exceeded 7 billion yuan (US$975 million), according to box office tracker Beacon, thanks to a lineup of acclaimed productions in diverse genres.
Director Shen Ao's historical drama "Dead to Rights" has topped the summertime box office chart with 1.53 billion yuan. The tear-jerker centers on the photographic evidence of Japanese military atrocities during the Nanjing Massacre in the 1930s.
Special IMAX screening and themed tour have been held at MOViE MOViE IMAX Theater and the main filming location at Shanghai Film Park, attracting around 300 teenagers and college students.
Students visit the main filming location of "Dead to Rights" at Shanghai Film Park. It is also part of the IMAX CineTrip program.
In the meticulously recreated scenes of 1937 Nanjing streets, they touched the weathered brick walls and listened to historical narrations.
According to Daniel Manwaring, CEO of IMAX China, the IMAX CineTrip program is an innovation in deepening the "film+" model, blending immersive viewing experiences with a film's extended cultural values in real-world settings.
The comedy "The Lychee Road" and sci-fi blockbuster "Jurassic World: Rebirth" also hit the summer box office bull's eye in China's film market.
This month, an array of highly anticipated movies are slated for release.
"Dongji Rescue"
Release date: August 8
Directed by Guan Hu and Fei Zhenxiang, the film depicts Chinese fishermen's kindness and bravery in saving foreign passengers from a sinking boat in 1942. Compelling visual effects and lots of underwater scenes are featured in the movie to tell this heroic story that unfolded during World War II.
This little-known historical event was also recorded in Fang Li's documentary "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru." Following the China release, the movie will be screened overseas in countries like Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada later this month.
"Mary and Max"
Release date: August 8
Written and helmed by Oscar-winning director Adam Elliot, the acclaimed bittersweet Australian clay-animation feature centers on the life and friendship between two unlikely pen pals. With a distinct artistic style, profound emotional and philosophical core, and timeless resonance of solitude, the film is also dubbed as a "fairy tale for adults."
Based on a real-life story, the movie follows an Australian girl, Mary, and an American recluse, Max, who become soulmates through correspondence. Over 20 years of exchanging letters, they share their loneliness, confusion, and growth, breaking down barriers with sincerity. Both experience many ups and downs in life.
"Mountains and Rivers Bearing Witness"
Release date: August 15
The film is a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945) and the World Anti-Fascist War.
It is the first panoramic documentary about the war. With a grand international perspective and invaluable historical materials, the film recreates the epic narrative of the Eastern battlefield for audiences, highlighting the indomitable spirit of the Chinese people and the undeniable historical memory of their resilient struggle.
"The Bad Guys 2"
Release date: August 16
The hilarious animation film by Pierre Perifel and JP Sans focuses on the Bad Guys who are struggling to find trust and acceptance in their newly minted lives as Good Guys. However, they are pulled out of retirement and forced to do "one last job" by an all-female squad of criminals.
The new production of DreamWorks Animation features grand action scenes, superb animation effects and the intricate elements of a hi-tech heist movie. New characters also also introduced to the franchise.
"The Shadow's Edge"
Release date: August 16
Starring Jackie Chan, Zhang Zifeng and Ci Sha, the action-packed crime film follows a group of young criminal investigators in pursuit of a hostile group, led by a mysterious figure codenamed "Shadow."
In the clash between traditional tracking techniques and high technology, both the police and the criminals engage in a battle of wits, unfolding a cat-and-mouse game between good and evil.
"Memoir of A Snail"
Release date: August 22
The stop-motion animation film, written and directed by Adam Elliot, is a bittersweet memoir of a melancholic woman called Grace Pudel, who is a hoarder of snails, romance novels, and guinea pigs.
The woman falls into a series of misfortunes after being separated from her twin brother Gilbert. Despite her hardships, inspiration, confidence and hope arise when she begins a friendship with an eccentric elderly woman named Pinky.
"One Wacky Summer"
Release date: August 23
Directed by Cao Baoping, the crime comedy portrays an unusual and absurd journey of a man and his nephew. Set to the backdrop of Tianjin, the film also features the local dialect.
Cao continues his exploration of regional Chinese stories in the film. He also received the Best Director Award in the Main Competition category at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival.
"Gift from A Cloud"
Release date: August 29
The fantasy romance film by Yao Tingting is adapted from a Japanese novel. In the film, as the rainy season approaches, Qin Tian, the deceased lover, unexpectedly returns to his wife Xiao Fan in the youthful form from when they fell in love eight years ago.
However, Qin Tian's memory has been erased, and he has forgotten the time he spent with Xiao Fan. Yet, with raindrops as witnesses, their hearts gradually resonate once more through daily interactions. This miracle seems to offer them a chance to rewrite their love story.
Where and how to buy tickets:
Online movie tickets can be purchased on Taopiaopiao and Maoyan. Movie buffs can also buy tickets at the theaters.
How to Buy Movie Tickets Using Alipay:
Purchasing discounted movie tickets through Alipay is quick and easy. Just follow these steps:
1. Enable the Built-in Translation Tool:
Open Alipay and go to Me > Settings > General > Translation Tool.
Select your target language. Currently, Alipay supports 15 languages, including Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish.
2. Search for Cinemas:
On the home screen, use the search bar to type "Cinema".
Browse and select the movie ticketing mini-program you prefer, then proceed to purchase tickets online.
If the page is in Chinese, tap the floating Translation button to convert it into your selected language. And that's it! Buying movie tickets has never been so simple. Try it out and enjoy the experience of booking like a local!