Chinese Film Industry Hits Big Again This Year with 'Gukppong' Movies

'Manligwido' Hits 600 Million Yuan Box Office in Five Days
Seems Inspired by Afghan Withdrawal Operations by Free World Including Korea and the US

[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Jo Young-shin] Chinese media such as Sina.com reported on the 4th that the movie "Wanli Guitu (萬里歸途)" released to coincide with the National Day of the founding of the People's Republic of China (October 1) has surpassed 600 million yuan (approximately 121 billion KRW) in box office revenue, ranking first. The film, which premiered on the 30th of last month, earned 600 million yuan in just five days. China determines box office rankings based on revenue rather than audience numbers.

Photo by Baidu Capture

This film is based on the true story of Chinese diplomats evacuating their nationals during the 2011 Libyan civil war. It is presumed to be inspired by the military-like evacuation operations carried out by the free democratic camp, including South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, who deployed military aircraft to evacuate their citizens when the Taliban took over Afghanistan last year. The Korean film Mogadishu also appears to have influenced it.

China produces and screens patriotic films every year to coincide with National Day to promote nationalism. Wanli Guitu reportedly completed filming in just 100 days after starting production in May. It is a specially produced film for the 73rd National Day. Additionally, it targets the young Chinese audience by featuring popular Chinese idols prominently. Chinese actors Zhang Yi, Wang Junkai, and Yintao (a member of the idol group TF Boys) star in the film, which depicts the efforts of Chinese diplomats rescuing Chinese nationals in Libya.

Chinese economic media Caijing reported that seven films were released for this year's National Day, with Wanli Guitu attracting Chinese audiences.

The Chinese film industry has been successful in producing patriotic films timed for National Day. Last year, the film Changjin Lake was a blockbuster.

Changjin Lake depicts the battle between the US Marine 1st Division and seven divisions of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army in the Changjin Lake area of the Geumgang Mountains during the winter of 1950, from the Chinese perspective. China regards the Battle of Changjin Lake as the foundation for victory in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (the Korean War). Amid heightened US-China tensions last year, the battle was portrayed as a Chinese victory over US forces, generating box office revenue of 3.09 billion yuan (approximately 623.6 billion KRW) during the National Day holiday. Changjin Lake currently holds the record for the highest-grossing Chinese film of all time.

Considering that this year's official Chinese National Day holiday lasts until the 7th, Wanli Guitu is also expected to achieve significant box office revenue.