Chinese audiences flock to movie theaters, but prefer overseas hits

World Today

While China’s cinemas did brisk business last year, many audience members said they felt the quality of domestic films could be improved. According to a Sina Weibo survey of 10,000 people, half of them believed Chinese films are behind foreign films in quality. CCTV’s Xu Geng reported this story.

Some surveyed even said that Chinese films are getting worse.

While foreign films such as “Interstellar”, “Frozen”, and “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” have done well in China, many domestically made films such as “Gone with the Bullets” were not as successful.

“Gone with the Bullets really disappointed me. The plot drags and sputters. Directors should focus more on the plot,” said one moviegoer who did not give his name.

Chinese directors said the country’s film market is still in its infancy, while film experts said what the market needs are good ideas rather than films aimed at making money.

Trailer for “Gone with the Bullets”:

“The current Chinese film market is hurly burly. What we discussed are economic benefits and box office takings that will have impact on every director,” said director Zhang Yimou.

Director Peter Chan said that some themes are universal.

“Directors should have their own judgement rather than going with the flow. If you feel touched by something, it will surely move others. Emotionally touching subjects always find a market for audience,” Chan said.