'Wolf Warriors 2' is Now China's Highest Grossing Film Ever
By Shelby Hamilton
Military-themed action blockbuster Wolf Warriors 2 has just become China's highest grossing movie ever.
The blockbuster sequel has so far earned a staggering RMB3.4 billion at the box office since hitting cinemas on July 27. That would put it ahead of last year's hit comedy, The Mermaid, which grossed RMB3.39 billion and was previously China's top-earning film of all time.
The second film in the Wolf Warrior franchise has earned much more buzz than its predecessor, receiving rave reviews in Chinese state media. A temporary summer lag on foreign films released in Chinese theaters has likely helped it move to the top of the box offce.
Some have labeled the film "China's answer to Rambo" due to its over-the-top patriotism. Showing heavy pride towards China’s military, the movie even has a tagline that proudly declares, “Whoever offends China will be hunted down no matter how far away they are.”
The film depicts Chinese soldiers saving war-torn African civilians from the American-led bad guy rebels. Filled with special effects, dramatic stunts and explosions, Wolf Warriors 2 tells the tale of a former special forces operative who goes on a mission to save African people.
The theme of China’s military operating abroad in Africa is very relevant to current events, with China having recently opening a naval base in Djibouti — its first overseas naval base.
But not all military movies seem to be an automatic hit in China this summer. Andy Lau's The Founding of An Army, which tells the story of the origins of The People’s Liberation Party, flopped and received bad reviews following its release on the same day as Wolf Warriors 2. That comes despite it receiving an official endorsement to be shown on more screens.
[Image from IMDB]
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