Editor's Note:
As the summer holiday has begun, eight new "Made in China" movies of different genres will debut on the big screen. From them, the Chinese film industry might find a bright future lying ahead.
Wu Kong. [Photo/Mtime]
Wu Kong
Adapted from writer Zeng Yu's Wu Kong's Biography, the film Wu Kong premiered on July 13.
The story is about Sun Wukong, or Monkey King from the ancient Chinese classic literature Journey to the West. Sun Wukong, as an iconic freedom-seeker, has inspired many TV dramas, comics, animation and films.
The latest film adaptation, starring Shawn Yue and Eddie Peng, was directed by Derek Kwok, who co-directed Stephen Chow's top-grossing Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons in 201Once Upon a Time. [Photo/Mtime]
(Chinaculture.org)
Once Upon a Time. [Photo/Mtime]
Once Upon a Time
The TV drama Once Upon a Time, adapted from a novel of the same name, was a hit since it was released in January this year.
The film version, starring leading actor and actress Yang Yang and Liu Yifei, will premiere on August 4.
The story centers on the romance between two gods Bai Qian and Ye Hua in a mythical world. By post-80s female writer Tang Qi, the original novel is an inspiration from Classics of the Mountains and Seas (Shan Hai Jing), China's mythological collections.
Wolf Warriors II. [Photo/Mtime]
Wolf Warriors II
To military fans that prefer films rich in thrill and tension, Wolf Warriors II might be a must-see this summer.
Directed by Wu Jing, who was also a martial arts star, the film will premiere on July 28. The film is the sequel of the 2015 Wolf Warriors that focuses on China's special troops.
The film also stars actor Wu Gang, who became popular because of a role in the hot TV drama In the Name of People in the spring of 2017.
Brotherhood of Blades II. [Photo/Mtime]
Brotherhood of Blades II
As the prequel of a 2014 film of the same name, the Brotherhood of Blades II premiered on July 19.
In the new movie, protagonist warrior Shen Lian, is still played by Taiwan actor Chang Chen. He is a member of the imperial secret police force Jinyiwei. Shen’s relationship with a mysterious painter causes him problems. Actress Yang Mi played the role of the painter.
Unlike other martial arts films, the 2014 Brotherhood of Blades focuses more on humanity and emotional frustrations. It was also praised for its aesthetic design style.
Dahufa. [Photo/Mtime]
Dahufa
Most people believe animation films are for children. Yet the film Dahufa is China's first animated movie labeled "PG-13".
The story is about a short martial arts master who was born to safeguard the fictional Yiwei State. In the film, this little master goes to rescue the nation's crown prince in a town populated by peanut-headed humanoids.
It has received 8.3 points out of 10 on Douban since it opened in China on July 13.
"Finally, there comes an animation film that can frighten a child to cry," Douban user Huangaima said.
One Hundred Thousand Bad Jokes II. [Photo/Mtime]
One Hundred Thousand Bad Jokes II
Compared to Dahufa, which carries a more serious tone,One Hundred Thousand Bad Jokes II will make people laugh. Gods and goddess from both Chinese and foreign myths unite in the film, including Nyu Wa from China, Zeus from Greece and Odin from Northern Europe.
As a sequel of the 2013 animation film One Hundred Thousand Bad Jokes, the film is adapted from Han Wu's comedy series of the same name. The series became popular since it was released in 2010. It has many independent series as well, such as Gourd Brothers and Great Masters.
The film is set to open across China on August 18.
Tea Pets. [Photo/Mtime]
Tea Pets
3-D animated movie Tea Pets will say hello to young audiences on July 21. The film is director Gary Wang's new movie after the 2016 animation Little Door Gods.
Inspired by tea pets, porcelain figures usually placed on tea trays, the movie is also rooted in traditional Chinese culture and myths.
On the big screen, these different tea pets become alive and enjoy their adventures in the human world.
The Founding of an Army. [Photo/Mtime]
The Founding of an Army
Starring a group of young leading actors, the film is dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the establishment of People's Liberation Army. It is also the third work of the "Founding of New China" trilogy. The first two were the 2009 movie The Founding of a Republic and the 2011 film The Founding of the Party.
Liu Ye played the role of Mao Zedong, which was his second time starring as the great founder of New China. Other popular young actors, including Zhu Yawen, Ou Hao and Ma Tianyu, also joined the cast.
The movie will premiere in the Chinese mainland on July 28 and in Hong Kong and Macao on August 3.
