"The Missing She", "In the Octagonal Cage", "The First Part of Fengshen" and "Thirty Thousand Miles of Chang'an", the 2023 summer blockbusters are born one after another, and they can give the audience new surprises almost every weekend. From domestic masterpieces to imported blockbusters, from comedy genres to realistic themes, from animated Chinese comics to mythological epics, the popularity of movie theaters has fully recovered this summer, breaking the record of the fastest summer box office in Chinese film history to break 10 billion. On July 30, the summer box office has exceeded the 12 billion mark.
After enjoying the stalemate and intense Battle of the hot films in July, the film market in August looks "refreshed" a lot. Small and medium-sized movies with various themes and fresh themes will enter the theaters, continuing to charge the summer movie market that has exceeded 10 billion, and there are many masterpieces of realistic themes among them.
Among the new films currently scheduled for August, there are many "old faces" familiar to the audience. "I Passed the Storm" and "Pursuit of the Jedi" were withdrawn in the first half of this year. ", "Assassination Storm" and "Love Dog" are films that have been waiting from 2021 to today. And Nolan's new film "Oppenheimer", which is currently being screened in North America, is also long overdue amidst the anticipation of domestic movie fans.
Halfway through the summer vacation, have you fallen in love with the cinema again? This August, is there another movie you have been waiting for?
【August 4th】
"Megalodon 2: The Abyss"
Director: Ben Whateley
Writers: Joe Hoebel, Erich Hoeber, Dean Jogras
Starring: Jason Statham / Wu Jing
Genre: Action/Science Fiction/Adventure
Introduction: The deep-sea diving expert Jonas Taylor (played by Jason Statham) and the Chinese scientist Zhang Jiuming (played by Wu Jing) joined forces to enter the 7,000-meter abyss of the seabed to perform exploration missions and explore the more unknown and mysterious prehistoric underwater world. Encountered the ambushes of the prehistoric monsters, the overlord of the ocean, the Megalodon shark group, and more groups of ancient monsters that have never been seen before, and embarked on a thrilling summer deep-sea adventure trip.
Expectation value: four stars
There is no doubt that the biggest highlight of "The Meg 2: The Abyss" is that Wu Jing and Jason Statham, two masters of East and West action, join forces to deal with the giant monsters of the deep sea. This time starring in "Megalodon 2: Abyss" is also Wu Jing's first contact with the genre of monster films. He said frankly at the film promotional event that because the two children in the family like monster themes very much, he wanted to challenge it. That year's "Megalodon" can be described as a dark horse at the box office in the summer of 2018. It won a box office of 1.053 billion yuan in China, setting a record for the highest box office of a co-production film, and it has not been surpassed so far; its global box office is also as high as 530 million US dollars. The box office performance of this sequel is also very exciting, and North America will also be released simultaneously with China.
"Snow Leopard and Her Friends"
Director: Xi Zhinong
Starring: Zhu Yawen
Genre: Documentary
Introduction: As the top predator on the snow-covered plateau, the survival of snow leopards is not as easy as we imagined. Adult snow leopards have to constantly compete in terms of territory and finding mates. The old snow leopards have reduced predation ability and face the challenges of young snow leopards. Young snow leopards are independently fed while other predators watch over them. Under the reincarnation of the four seasons, these most realistic scenes have been recorded one by one. The more difficult the times are, the more friends are needed. Tibetan foxes, pikas, Tibetan brown bears, Tibetan antelopes, bar-headed geese, and alpine vultures accompany the snow leopard from land to sky; local herdsmen provide the best protection for the snow leopard. With these friends, the snow leopard no longer looks lonely.
Expected value: Samsung
"Snow Leopard and Her Friends" is directed by Xi Zhinong, a famous Chinese wildlife photographer. Professional photographer Ke Xuanhui and three Tibetan herdsmen photographers Dajie, Ciding and Gengqiu Qupeng form the "expedition" lineup. After six years of careful polishing, the story of the mysterious "King of the Snow Mountain" is presented to us from a unique perspective, and a large number of precious pictures about snow leopards will soon be presented to the public. The film was screened at this year's Shanghai International Film Festival and "sold out by countdown" and received the most media attention honor. "Moving", "pure", "equality" and "resonance" have become the common feelings of many audiences after watching the movie. This summer, audiences who like documentaries may wish to follow the snow leopards to the plateau to "rescue the heat" and observe these wild animals at close range. Life.
【August 10】
"Barbarian Invasion"
Director: Chen Cuimei
Screenwriter: Chen Cuimei
Starring: Chen Cuimei / Zhang Zifu / Braun Paralei / Lee Tim Hing
Type: Drama
After experiencing a series of events such as marriage, childbirth, and divorce, Li Yuanyuan (played by Chen Cuimei), the formerly unparalleled actress, returned to the film world in embarrassment with her naughty son alone. Old friend and director Hu Zijie (played by Zhang Zifu) invited Li Yuanyuan to star in an action movie "real shot, no need for a double". " task, unknowingly embarked on a path of self-discovery.
Expectation value: four stars
When it comes to Tan Chui Mui, there is always a key word that always follows her: the new wave of Malaysian films. This film won the Jury Prize of the Golden Goblet Award at the 24th Shanghai International Film Festival in 2021, and was certified by many film critics as the "Dark Horse of the Year for Chinese Films". This is director Chen Cuimei's first self-written, self-directed, and self-acted feature film, and it is also a masterpiece of female issues carried by meta-movie and typified packaging. The unique "high-burning" action scenes and horror elements will bring the audience a thrilling and wonderful movie-watching experience. Of course, this is a film that is not so popular and requires some "tacit" tacit understanding between the audience and the author. The integration of many fan stalks in the film makes people smile knowingly, adding a bit of fun to movie enthusiasts.
【August 11】
"put all one's eggs in one basket"
Director: Olympic bid
Screenwriter: Olympic bid / Zhang Yifan / Xu Luyang
Starring: Zhang Yixing / Jin Chen / Yongmei / Wang Chuanjun
Genre: Drama / Crime
Introduction: The film is based on tens of thousands of real fraud cases, and the horrifying inside story of the entire industry chain of overseas cyber fraud will be revealed on the big screen for the first time. Programmer Pan Sheng (played by Zhang Yixing) and model Anna (played by Jin Chen) were attracted by overseas high-paying recruitment and went abroad to seek gold, but accidentally fell into the trap of a fraudulent factory abroad. In order to leave, the two are going to attack the gambler A Tian (played by Wang Dalu) and his girlfriend Xiao Yu (played by Zhou Ye), cash out of them and complete their business... Can Pan Sheng and Anna escape the leader of the fraud group, Manager Lu (played by Zhou Ye)? The cruel torture of Wang Chuanjun) and A Cai (Sun Yang)? Facing the cross-border investigation and pursuit of the police (played by Yongmei), what will they do?
Expectation value: four stars
When it comes to "Karmayaozi", I believe everyone can easily think of that geographical term that often appears in jokes. There, countless chilling fraud and kidnapping cases actually took place, in exchange for today's experience and lessons. Finally, the realistic theme of overseas wire fraud was brought to domestic screens. Classic fraud routines such as overseas high-salary recruitment, beautiful dealers, and naked video chats were staged one by one in the film. The fraud leader "Manager Lu" played by Wang Chuanjun will decipher it for the audience. Industry slang, revealing the "management method" of fraudulent factories. Following "The Beneficiary", the Olympic bid once again combines realistic themes and genres, and Ning Hao still escorts it, and the balance of strength and scale hopes to be more beneficial than the previous work.
"Gran Turismo: Forbidden Race"
Director: Neil Blomkamp
Writers: Jason Hall, Zach Behring
Actors: Archie Madeki, David Harbor, Orlando Bloom
Genre: Drama / Action / Adventure / Sports
Introduction: The film is adapted from the true story of the British post-90s racing driver Jann Maddenborough. It tells the true inspirational story of a civilian game boy who pursued his dream and became a professional racing driver. Zhan En (Archie Madge), who dreamed of racing since he was a child, was scouted by GT Racing Academy because of the first-class racing technology he mastered in the game. With his excellent game experience and his own efforts, he repeatedly broke the doubts of the outside world and completely rewrote the racing car. Sports are the "only for the rich" rules.
Expected value: Samsung
The straight male audience closed their eyes and entered. Car racing games are classic game types loved by countless players all over the world, but becoming a professional racing driver is a dream that countless passionate teenagers can only realize in the game world. The story prototype has never driven a real racing car before entering GT Academy. He only raced a car in the "GT Racing" game of PlayStation. He was able to drive a car with a speed of 320 kilometers per hour on a real track in just 8 months. A game player counterattacks and becomes a professional racing driver. The passionate life trajectory of the hero Shuangwen is unbelievable. This film is the first film ever in which an archetypal character acts as a stand-in driver for the role. In the movie, the realistic details of the racing field, tense and dangerous crash moments, roaring racing engine sound, and exciting corner overtaking make your adrenaline soar, and you can feel the thrilling charm of motorsports through the screen.
[August 17]
"Boyhood"
Director: Chen Kaige
Screenwriter: Shi Yifeng
Starring: Liu Haoran / Chen Feiyu / Zhang Xueying / Wen Qi
Type: Drama
Introduction: Accompanied by a sudden wind, the letters on the desktop fluttered with the wind, and the pointer of time was turned back to the 1960s, when a group of young people rushed towards their youth and future amidst the ringing of bicycle bells. This film is a film about the story of teenagers' hard work. Several teenagers have experienced the critical period of growing up, in which they worked hard and struggled with their fate. After experiencing a lot of suffering and confusion, they each realized their self-worth and gained a deep understanding of life and this period of time.
Expected value: Samsung
It is said that it is the movie that director Chen Kaige wants to make the most. The son's interpretation of his father's "boyhood" may be a unique gift for the father and son. One is just a young boy, and the other has personally experienced the "era". According to Yu Dong, the producer, Chen Kaige's film tells the story of young people in a special age. The script is thick and touching. The youth experienced by the "Chen Kaiges" is easily absent or ignored in today's contemporary narratives. Chen Kaige, who once used "Farewell My Concubine" to show the torrent of the times and the ups and downs of individuals, can show how much skill this time, whether a strong man still has a youthful spirit in his old age, it makes people sweat.
"I Passed Through the Storm"
Director: Qin Haiyan
Screenwriter: Qin Haiyan
Starring: Tong Liya / Wu Yuhan / Wang Yinglu / Zhang Youhao
Genre: Drama / Family
Introduction: In China, a woman is subjected to domestic violence every 7.4 seconds. The seemingly strong and independent Xu Min (played by Tong Liya) has an unspeakable secret: she has been abused by her husband Chen Jun (played by Wu Yuhan) for a long time. Xu Min is not the victim everyone imagined. She is brave and has her own career. In the process of trying to divorce with lawyer Li Xiaomeng (played by Wang Yinglu), she faced her husband who was cautious and did not leave evidence, and the people around her sneered. Sarcasm and questioning, inaction by the social system, for the sake of two children... When divorce is not the end of domestic violence, and being in charge is not a safe haven but the storm itself, can she break through the storm?
Expectation value: four stars
Realistic themes, first push for respect. "I Passed the Storm" is the first anti-domestic violence film in China, and it is also director Qin Haiyan's debut feature film. In order to create this film, the director actually interviewed two to three hundred domestic violence cases and converted them into real details of the film. "If there is any similarity, it is not a coincidence" in the poster and trailer, it emphasizes that in reality, many women are encountering the dilemma described in the movie. In addition to the portrayal of women, the film also focuses on the profound impact of domestic violence on the next generation of children-"Don't let children live in violence and fear", which is also thought-provoking.
[August 18]
"Assassination Storm"
Director: Qiu Litao
Screenwriter: Shen Xiran
Starring: Louis Koo / Julian Cheung / Francis Ng / Myolie Wu
Genre: Mystery / Crime
Introduction: Darker, a mysterious killer who calls himself a "judge", openly provoked the police and issued "death notices" one after another, and those who received them would be brutally executed. In order to find out the truth, witnesses of the bombing, Huang Shaoping (Louis Koo), genius police officer Luo Fei (Zhang Zhilin), and task force leader Han Hao (Francis Ng) entered the bureau one after another. Who exactly is Darker? The truth is constantly being reversed, and the amazing secret is gradually surfacing...
Recommended value: two stars
With "Bomb Disposaler 2", director Qiu Litao from Hong Kong, China, has been very productive in recent years, showing the creative ability of "no creative bottleneck" in the genre of action crime films. This film is adapted from Zhou Haohui's Douban high-scoring suspense novel "Death Notice: Dark Man", which is called "the masterpiece of Chinese high-IQ crime novels" by readers. The story of the hunt. The original novel and the 2014 adaptation of the web drama "Dark Man Season 1" received super high scores of 8.3 and 8.2 on Douban respectively, and received praise from many fans, readers and audiences across the Internet. However, the ratings for the second and third seasons of web dramas continued to decline. The quality of Qiu Litao's movie version this time...maybe just a "job" by Director Qiu.
"School Dad"
Director: Su Liang
Screenwriter: Su Liang
Starring: Huang Bo / Shan Yuhao / Yan Ni / Zhang Junning / Zhang Zixian
Genre: Drama / Comedy
Introduction: In order to enable his son Lei Xiaomi (played by Shan Yuhao) to have a higher starting point in life, Lei Dali (played by Huang Bo), under the leadership of single mother Liu Zhenzhen (played by Yan Ni), was forced to get involved in the "Young Sheng Primary School" "Intense competition. And under the influence of Brother Huo (played by Zhang Zixian) and Sao Huo (played by Wan Qian), they spared no effort to buy housing in the school district. The heavy pressure made the lives of the father and son vulnerable. The appearance of Aunt Lei Xiaomi (played by Zhang Junning) made Lei Dali realize that the essence of "fighting babies" is "fighting parents". Facing the cruel reality... How should the life dilemma of father and son be resolved? What life choices will several groups of families make?
Expected value: Samsung
This summer vacation was contracted by Huang Bo, Jiang Ziya who saved the common people, Ding Lei the middle-aged hip-hop coach who pursued his dreams, and Lei Dali who brought his baby to school. People can't help but sigh, "This summer is Brother Bo's summer!" The title of the homophonic stalk makes people complain, but only in terms of the practical educational theme of "young promotion", the film's topic selection is quite special. Through the dual perspectives of parents and children, "Learning Dad" tells the stories of several groups of families who have tried their best to "promote young children" and explore how to face children and self-growth. The poignant reality of ordinary families being "unmovable and uneven". The film is a work in Huang Bo's "HB+U" new director support plan. I don't know if "Sucking Baby" is a possible main direction for theaters to develop, but the short-sighted "TV drama sense" in the movie theater is still a bit worrying.
[August 22]
"Remembering and Forgetting"
Director: Liu Yulin
Screenwriter: Fan Wenwen / Hu Shuxin
Starring: Liu Haocun / Song Weilong
Type: love
Introduction: The transfer student Xu Niannian (played by Liu Haocun) and the young Yang Yi (played by Song Weilong) formed a relationship due to a misunderstanding. The sassy girl and the boy in the second grade spent a passionate and unforgettable high school time together, but they passed by regretfully in the end. When the two people who have never forgotten meet again, can they be brave enough to overcome all difficulties and face the love in their hearts?
Expectation value: two stars
The Chinese Valentine's Day is naturally a youth romance movie starring handsome men and beautiful women. This film is adapted from Zhang Haochen's novel "I and the World Are Only One You". There is a strong demand for viewing movies. However, it's okay to go to the theater to seduce the eyes with the good looks of Liu Haocun and Song Weilong.
"Winter Burning"
Director: Chen Zheyi
Screenwriter: Chen Zheyi
Starring: Zhou Dongyu / Liu Haoran / Qu Chuxiao
Type: Drama
Yanji is a small city with a large Korean population in the northeastern border area of China. During a local trip, the enthusiastic and sensitive tour guide Nana (played by Zhou Dongyu) meets the confused and melancholy young man Haofeng (played by Liu Haoran). She introduces him to a chef friend, Han Xiao (Qu Chuxiao), and the three quickly form a friendship over one of Han Xiao's meals. From this, a love adventure belonging to these three people set off in the freezing world of ice and snow, and the respective growth histories of the young people emerged one by one in the love-hate entanglement of the three.
Expectation value: five stars
Expectations are full just for this cast. It's been a long time since I saw Zhou Dongyu on the big screen. This relaxing and profound "threesome" love movie is absolutely unique among domestic romance movies full of routines. Singaporean director Chen Zheyi's new work "Burning Winter", which was previously well-known to domestic fans with "Parents Are Not Home" and "Tropical Rain", was shortlisted for the "Un Certain Regard" official unit of this year's Cannes Film Festival, and was recognized by the chief film critic of "Hollywood Reporter" David Rooney recommended it as one of the "Ten Must-See Films" in Cannes this year.
[August 25]
"Loyalty Without Words 2"
Director: Tan Yizhi
Screenwriter: Tan Yizhi
Starring: Seven Blessings / Zhang Haoting / Jin Qiaoqiao
Genre: Drama / Family
Introduction: Qi Xiaofu (played by Zhang Haoting) is an autistic child, and his parents' marriage will come to an end for this reason. One day, Qi Xiaofu accidentally met a stray dog, a child from the stars, and a stray dog with the same fate. From mutual fear and rejection, they slowly approached each other, until they depended on each other and were inseparable. After being forced to separate, the stray dogs searched everywhere in the vast city, passed by Qi Xiaofu many times but failed to meet each other. Qi Xiaofu's condition became more serious, and they finally reunited after going through various difficulties and obstacles. However, behind the stray dogs lies a pitiful story...
Expectation value: two stars
More and more families keep pets. The popularity of the remake "Hachiko" released this spring once again shows that this type of film has a fairly good audience base in China. Who can resist such a cute Xiu Gou Gou? ? Although the film crew is relatively simple and low-key in the promotional materials, the film has gained a lot of popularity in terms of wanting to watch data.
"Jedi Pursuit"
Director: Qiu Litao
Screenwriter: Pang Xiao
Starring: Ou Hao / Gu Jiacheng / Yu Haoming / Aruna / Huang Yao
Genre: Action/Crime/Disaster
Introduction: The film is adapted from real cases, revealing for the first time the most powerful armed drug dealer on the border. In the late 1990s on the southwestern border of China, the "8077" frontier armed police special force encountered mountain torrent disasters and drug dealers' schemes successively during a drug suppression mission, resulting in casualties. heavy. For the sacrificed brother, the "8077" surviving fighters swore to the death to launch a Jedi pursuit.
Expected value: Samsung
It's Qiu Litao again, and "Chasing the Jedi" again. This is the third time this year to share this movie. The film was withdrawn twice before, which made many viewers doubt the quality of the film, but Qiu Litao directed the film to provide a basic guarantee for the commercial and genre maturity of the film. "Jedi Pursuit" takes the armed police anti-drug as the theme, trying to reveal the secrets of the anti-drug operation with the largest casualties on the border of our country. It not only shows the thrilling gunfight action scenes in the anti-drug process, but also innovatively integrates disaster elements such as mountain torrents. At present, Qiu Litao will contribute three films in this summer, "Sweeping Drugs 3: The End of the World", "Assassination Storm" and "Jedi Chase".
【August 30】
"Oppenheimer"
Director: Christopher Nolan
Writers: Christopher Nolan, Kay Bird, Martin Sherwin
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr.
Genre: Drama / Biography / History
Introduction: Christopher Nolan wrote and directed the new film "Oppenheimer", focusing on Robert Oppenheimer, the "father of the atomic bomb" played by Cillian Murphy. Viewers will see how an enigmatic man is caught in a paradoxical dilemma: In order to save the world, he must first destroy it. The film is based on the biography of Robert Oppenheimer, American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of Robert Oppenheimer, by Kay Bird and Martin J. Litzer Prize for Biography.
Expectation value: five stars
The finale of the summer file king bomb ~ the long-awaited is coming out! "Oppenheimer" will be released in mainland China 40 days after its release in North America. This time, Nolan shot the "Trinity Nuclear Bomb Test Explosion" with a 70mm IMAX film camera without using CGI. In addition, the cast of "Oppenheimer" is super luxurious, gathering Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr. and many other famous Hollywood actors. The viewing time of nearly three hours will bring an extremely enjoyable movie-watching experience to domestic Nolan fans. The only thing that's a little unanticipated about this movie is that by the time it's released, it means the summer vacation is over.
