1. "The Wandering Earth 2"The most anticipated movie during the Spring Festival season is Frant Gwo's Chinese sci-fi film "The Wandering Earth 2," a prequel to the phenomenal first installment in 2019, which grossed 4.7 billion yuan ($690 million) at the box office, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of all time in China and the most influential Chinese sci-fi film ever. It is based on a novella by the world-famous sci-fi writer Liu Cixin, and features an all-star cast including Wu Jing, Andy Lau and Li Xuejian.
The film tells a story about why humanity decides to move the Earth out of the solar system for a new home in the galaxy. It delves into the idea of digital immortality, where individuals can transfer their intelligence, memories, and consciousness to digital platforms, allowing them to continue living even in the face of Earth's impending destruction.
With its end-of-the-world narrative, the film promises to showcase stunning visual effects and provoke deep emotions and reflections on the themes of saving the world, preserving loved ones, and navigating the digital realm in our current era.
It will hit Chinese theaters nationwide on Jan. 22.
2. "Full River Red""Full River Red," a period film by China's prominent and prolific director Zhang Yimou, will feature a stellar cast, including comedian megastar Shen Teng, popular young actor Jackson Yee, veterans Zhang Yi and Lei Jiayin, up-and-coming actress Wang Jiayi and comedian Yue Yunpeng. Despite including comedians, this film is a suspenseful drama inspired by historical events, mixing various elements from different genres.
The title "Full River Red" is borrowed from the most famous poem by Yue Fei, a military general during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), well known for his patriotism and loyalty to his country. However, he was framed and executed by the then most powerful official Qin Hui.
The plot takes place four years after Yue's death and revolves around a mysterious murder at Qin Hui's residence.
After its premiere on Jan. 17, the film received rave reviews and is set to become another classic and blockbuster to be added to Zhang's already legendary filmography. It will be released nationwide on Jan. 22.
3. "Hidden Blade"This historical spy thriller, directed by Cheng Er and starring Tony Leung, Wang Yibo, Zhang Jingyi and Zhou Xun, follows the astonishing, suspenseful and complicated story of underground workers in Shanghai who risked their lives to send intelligence and defend their country.
It is set after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor when the Wang Jingwei regime declared war on Britain and the U.S. As a filmmaker with unique aesthetics and narratives, Cheng promises to deliver a masterpiece and groundbreaking spy film paying tribute to the anonymous heroes. He has warned against spoilers to preserve the audience's enjoyment.
The film also marks young idol Wang Yibo's acting debut, and his stardom has prompted his fans to buy tickets. It will open nationwide on Jan. 22.
4. "Deep Sea""Deep Sea," an original animated feature, was developed over the years by Tian Xiaopeng, the creator of the milestone Chinese animated film "Monkey King: Hero is Back" (2015) and who is also set to direct the live-action sci-fi epic "The Three-Body Problem" in the future.
The new fantasy film will focus on the theme of loneliness and offer courage to those who feel lonely. It will provide an immersive experience through IMAX technology and features an unprecedented visual effect, "particle ink painting," representing top-level Chinese animation production.
The film will open on Jan. 22, with 100 advanced IMAX screenings on Jan. 19, hoping to generate buzz and positive word-of-mouth.
5. "Boonie Bears: Guardian Code""Boonie Bears: Guardian Code" is the newest installment by Lin Yongchang in the popular domestic animated comedy franchise. The series remains one of the most regular entries in the Spring Festival holiday lineup.
In this upcoming sequel, the titular bear brothers unexpectedly discover a clue related to their missing mother, who was lost in a forest fire many years ago, and embark on an adventure to seek the reunion they have longed for.
The film features explosive sci-fi robot fights, and emphasizes the theme of a mother's great love for her children. It is high-quality, steady family entertainment that will delight children and their parents and evoke their emotions at the same time. It will be released nationwide on Jan. 22.
6. "Five Hundred Miles""Five Hundred Miles," a comedy directed by Su Lun, will feature veteran actor Lei Jiayin and actress Zhang Xiaofei, a comedian best known for her role in the highly successful "Hi, Mom," which grossed a staggering 5.41 billion yuan in 2021.
The family film tells a fantasy story about a young man and a middle-aged man who switch spirits in their bodies, allowing them to change their lives, and leading to many comedic moments within their families.
As it is the only comedy to be released during the holiday season, it is expected to have strong market potential. It will debut in China nationwide on Jan. 22.
7. "Ping-pong of China""Ping-pong of China," directed by Deng Chao and Yu Baimei and starring Deng himself and his wife and actress Sun Li, as well as Xu Weizhou and others, will tell an inspirational story based on true events.
It follows the story of a coach who helps the Chinese national table tennis team strike back and reclaim the throne after a series of defeats facing a strong Swedish team in the early 1990s.
The film will debut on Jan. 24.
8. "Avatar: The Way of Water"James Cameron's sci-fi epic sequel had grossed more than 1.5 billion yuan ($221.44 million) in China and over $1.92 billion worldwide since its debut on Dec. 16, 2022, making it one of the highest-grossing movies of all time.
Chinese film authorities have granted an extension to the film, allowing it to continue screening until Feb. 14.
9. "Śakra""Śakra" is a highly anticipated wuxia film directed by and starring action megastar Donnie Yen. It is a new adaptation of the novel "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," also -known as "Eight Books of the Heavenly Dragon" in Chinese, written by China's late legendary novelist Louis Cha in 1963.
The story focuses on martial arts hero Qiao Feng, the leader of the beggar clan. The film will hit screens in China's Hong Kong and several other Asian regions. However, in the Chinese mainland, it will only be available to stream on select video platforms, including iQiyi, Tencent Video and Youku.
Source: China.org.cn, by Zhang Rui; January 21, 2023
