September has traditionally been a relatively quiet season for the market, following the excitement of the summer blockbusters while gearing up for the upcoming National Day releases.
This September, there aren't many new films hitting theaters, but the range of themes remains broad and diverse, encompassing various genres such as history, thriller, drama, comedy, and science fiction to satisfy audience preferences.
Viewers can embark on a journey with documentaries exploring space and deep sea mysteries, uncovering the lesser-known historical truths behind the "Lisbon Maru" sinking. In "The Wandering Earth 2: Once Again on an Adventure," audiences can delve into the profound meanings achieved along China's milestones in science fiction. They can resonate with the struggles of divorce during the cooling-off period alongside Xiao Yang and Song Jia in "Wishing You Happiness," or join Aunt Su in "Determination to Leave" as she embarks on a new journey to rediscover the meaning of life. In "A Grand Scene," one can witness how the new generation of 'comedy talents' injects innovation and surprises into the world of comedy films while anticipating what 'jokes' veteran comedians like Qiao Shan and Ma Li might come up with; as "The Wilderness Robot" and "Transformers" debut one after another, humanity's imagination of machines expands across different styles, creating spectacles and adventures on screen. By the end of the month, "Crisis Flight" and "Safe Passage" will be the first to showcase for the National Day lineup, paving the way for an array of big releases to follow...
Although there are several films being released, most have chosen to premiere during the short break of the Mid-Autumn Festival on September 15, as if the films themselves want to come together for a reunion. This creates an imbalance in the distribution of new releases throughout the month. The screening schedules during the holiday are particularly vibrant, offering viewers a wealth of choices, but the overcrowded line-up can inadvertently lead to some films not receiving the attention they deserve. Under the current conditions of an already limited market, many films might face the risk of getting lost among the multitude of options.
Thus, here's a list of films to help you do your homework, hoping that great movies won’t be missed.
The Lisbon Maru
Director: Fang Li
Release Date: September 6
Synopsis: In October 1942, the Japanese military commandeered the cargo passenger ship "Lisbon Maru" to transport over 1,800 British POWs from Hong Kong back to Japan. The ship was torpedoed by U.S. forces near Zhoushan, and Chinese fishermen, risking their safety, rescued 384 British POWs. This documentary begins with the search and location of the sunken ship, revealing this historical event, and employs special effects and animation to recreate the scene of the "Lisbon Maru" adrift until its sinking.
Highlights: Producer Fang Li spent eight years and emptied his wallet to faithfully recreate this little-known World War II history, prompted by the saying from "The Last Encounter," "When a ship sinks to the seabed, when a person becomes a mystery." It’s a critically acclaimed documentary that hopes to awaken the silence of history.
Speak No Evil
Director: James Watkins
Starring: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scott McNairy
Release Date: September 14
Synopsis: A remake of the Danish film of the same name, the story follows an American family who meet a charming British couple while on vacation, leading to a weekend invitation to their idyllic estate. However, what begins as a dream getaway soon turns into a psychological nightmare.
Highlights: A classic remake filled with suspense and thrill elements, blending intense and stimulating atmospheres with deeper reflections on humanity.
Determination to Leave
Director: Yin Lichuan
Starring: Yong Mei, Jiang Wu, Wu Qian, Zhang Benyu
Release Date: September 15
Synopsis: Based on the self-drive travel story of a 50-year-old woman. The innocent Li Hong (played by Yong Mei) has harbored many dreams throughout her life—yearning for college at 18, hoping for love at 25, and dreaming of distant travels at 45. However, life’s various experiences continually force her to yield to others, bearing the weight of family and societal pressures, ultimately leading her to suffer from moderate depression and anxiety. After undergoing a spiritual ordeal, Li Hong resolves to break free from her constraints and courageously live her life authentically.
Highlights: A true story from a female perspective. The situation of East Asian women resonates deeply, making it a suitable watch for families, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival, alongside parents who have worked hard all their lives.
Wishing You Happiness!
Director: Kang Bo
Starring: Xiao Yang, Song Jia, Ni Dahong, Wu Yue
Release Date: September 15
Synopsis: The film tells the story of Luo Yu (played by Xiao Yang) and Bai Hui (played by Song Jia) during their divorce cooling-off period as they become embroiled in a complicated case, with both acting as a lawyer and doctor. As their divorce and legal battles progress, their understanding of marriage and life evolves. Furthermore, the film highlights the experiences of three families, revealing the hidden struggles of families who've lost children, such as the father, Qin Zhiyuan (portrayed by Ni Dahong), struggling with late-night memories of his deceased son, offering a glimpse into the diverse lives of three generations.
Highlights: Closely following the reality of the "divorce cooling-off period," it explores the relationship between marriage and life. The screenwriter, You Xiaoying, famed for works like "Love and Affection" and "My Sister," returns to portray the complexities and diversity of modern family life.
A Grand Scene
Director: Li Ji
Starring: Wang Tianfang, Ma Xudong, Guan Le
Release Date: September 15
Synopsis: The most powerful war epic film of all time is being filmed on a certain island in the South Pacific. The arrogant leading star accidentally steps into a minefield while shooting the final major scene and triggers a “pressure-release” mine; the situation spirals out of control. While the superstar's life hangs by a thread, the crew's leadership begins to shift blame, management retreats tactically, and only the grassroots staff step in to “take the hit,” with the ever-present danger of the mine leading to utter chaos.
Highlights: Emerging from the "Annual Comedy Competition," new comedic talents are working on a “disaster comedy film,” striving to reproduce the success of “The Annual Meeting Must Not Stop!” or create a “disaster” in comedy films; audiences will find out on the big screen.
The Wandering Earth 2: Once Again on an Adventure
Director: Guo Siwen
Starring: Guo Fan, Wu Jing, Andy Lau, Li Xuejian, Sha Yi, Ning Li, Wang Zhi, Zhu Yanzan
Release Date: September 15
Synopsis: With new perspectives and content, this film unveils the challenges behind "The Wandering Earth 2," sharing the behind-the-scenes stories of exploring film industrialization, the inspiration behind the "Wandering Earth worldview" and "science fiction concept development," and recounts the production team's efforts under immense filming pressure while reflecting on the progress of Chinese science fiction literature alongside numerous scientists, scholars, and writers.
Highlights: A must-watch for fans of “Little Broken Ball.” It pairs excellently with the re-release of "The Wandering Earth 2" in 3D during the same time period.
All Suspects
Director: Fu Dong
Starring: Xiao Shenyang, Qin Hailu, Wang Ziyi, Cao Enqi, Jin Mengyangzi, Dong Chang
Release Date: September 15
Synopsis: Adapted from the eponymous novel by the famous suspense and mystery author, Dazhan Chengichiro, the film narrates a complex mystery set in a "Wuzhi Xiang" homestay. The protagonist, a vacationing police officer, encounters a detective novelist, a drifter, a pianist, and others inside the homestay. After the unexpected deaths of the homestay owner and waitress, all guests’ identities become blurred, turning everyone into a suspect. Each seeks to play detective to uncover the truth, enveloping the entire homestay in a thick atmosphere of mystery.
Highlights: Dazhan Chengichiro’s signature multi-layered twists along with comedic elements could make this another work set to gain notoriety.
To Clear the Grudges
Directors: Yu Guangyi, Yu Qiushi
Starring: Qiao Shan, Ma Li, Liu Yitier, Bao Beier, Zhao Longhao
Release Date: September 15
Synopsis: Fifteen years ago, one fateful night, a car accident changed the life of the eldest brother (played by Qiao Shan), causing the second brother (played by Liu Yitier) to become disabled due to the elder's cowardice in letting the perpetrator escape. Fifteen years later, the elder discovers that his childhood sweetheart, Jin Yan (played by Ma Li), her husband Yi Mao Yi (played by Zhao Longhao), and the truck driver Si Liangzi (played by Bao Beier) all have connections to the culprit behind the accident, who is ironically associated with an “oil rat” gang. To seek justice for his brother, the eldest brother embarks on a solitary path of revenge.
Highlights: Another Northeast comedy film, where the chaos of "one party in trouble, the others contribute to the chaos" creates ample laughs.
The Wilderness Robot
Director: Chris Sanders
Starring (voice): Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Keith Connor
Release Date: September 20
Synopsis: Rozzum 7134, or "Roz", is a robot designed for a futuristic city that unexpectedly washes ashore on a deserted island. Facing harsh conditions and hostile wildlife, Roz must learn to integrate into the island's ecosystem. When she encounters a little gray goose and becomes its "mother," she gradually finds a sense of belonging on the island, embarking on a journey of love and self-discovery.
Highlights: Based on Peter Brown's bestseller, directed by the creators of "How to Train Your Dragon" and "The Croods," this film delivers a warm fairy tale theme wrapped in a futuristic robotic narrative, exploring eternal themes of love and growth.
Transformers: Origins
Director: Josh Cooley
Starring (voice): Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson
Release Date: September 27
Synopsis: This story unfolds on the Transformers' home planet, Cybertron, focusing on the youth of the Transformers, recounting the journey of Autobot leader Optimus Prime and Decepticon leader Megatron as they transition from brothers to adversaries, and how they acquire transformation capabilities through a series of adventures that ignite the enduring Cybertron War.
Highlights: The first animated film in the Transformers series in nearly 40 years, transporting viewers back to the "Cybertron era" with cutting-edge CGI that presents a new Transformers universe.
