(China Daily) With stunning presale receipts exceeding 85 million yuan ($13.1 million), the upcoming film, The Battle at Lake Changjin, is currently topping the country's presale box-office charts for the upcoming National Day holiday , one of the most fiercely contended periods for blockbusters.A recreation of the title battle, a turning point for the Chinese People's Volunteer Army during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53), the heavy-budgeted epic will open across domestic cinemas in multiple formats, including IMAX, on Sept 30.
Reportedly costing over 1 billion yuan, the tentpole gathered a total of 17 production companies, including Beijing-based Bona Film Group and Alibaba Pictures Group.
The film held a premiere in Beijing on Saturday, simultaneously organizing sneak previews in 33 cities, including Changsha, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Dalian.
Huang Jianxin, the chief executive producer, said the film -- with its script revised 37 times -- recruited a huge crew with over 12,000 members.
"I have worked in the film industry all my life, but I have never been so stressed before. I believe all the crew members faced off an unprecedented challenge," said Huang, adding the film marks a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the war.
Joining hands with Chen Kaige, Tsui Hark and Dante Lam -- three of the country's most prestigious directors -- the film, whichruns about three hours, was shot over nearly six months, with the major actors all partaking intensive training to realistically portray military staff.
Source: By Xu Fan | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2021-09-28 15:43