April is usually a quiet time for China’s film market. But not so this year, with a wave of blockbusters on the way to tempt film buffs. With the 3D version of the classic "Titanic" due to storm the big screen, alongside some big-budget home-grown productions, April looks set to be a hot month at the movies.
Exactly a hundred years after the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, James Cameron’s epic 1997 blockbuster is resurfacing in 3D. Opening on April 10th, it’s hoped the classic disaster-romance will once again make a big splash at the Chinese box office, after grabbing 360 million yuan 15 years ago.
A movie-goer said, "The 3D version must be very different! I can’t wait to see it!" A week later on April 18th, another water-borne Hollywood blockbuster "Battleship" will also take to the big screen.
Featuring intense battle scenes on land, sea and air, the movie is expected to ride the crest of a wave.
Wu Hehu, deputy manager of Shanghai United Circuit, said, "I’m sure these two Hollywood blockbusters will dominate the film market in April.”
Home-grown movies are also expected to cash in on the hot April action.
"Crazy Stone" director Ning Hao’s new work "Guns N’ Roses" is released on April 24th. The director’s first work for three years, the crime comedy tells a legendary 1930’s tale of underdogs gunning for gold. It’s hoped "Guns and Roses" will score at box offices as well as Ning’s previous films.
All in all, Chinese cinemas certainly look set for a busy month.