‘Avengers: Infinity War’ to Open in China Two Weeks Late
Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War will hit the big screen in North America on April 27 and in China on May 11. Directors Anthony and Joe Russo, are set to greet fans in Shanghai Disneyland on April 19. The film gathers protagonists from many Marvel blockbusters, including Captain America, Doctor Strange, Guardians of the Galaxy and Thor: Ragnarok. Its creators have confirmed that at least one of Marvel’s beloved heroes will meet a tragic death. Scheduled to screen on May 3 in Peru, Ukraine, Russia and Denmark, Avengers: Infinity War will also screen on May 4 in Lithuania and Romania, and between April 25 and April 27 in more than fifty other countries. Taiwan and Hong Kong viewers can look forward to a grand opening on April 25. It is worth noting that historically, Hollywood blockbusters have entered the Japanese cinema at later dates compared with other countries. Avengers: Infinity War and its dubbed version, however, are scheduled to simultaneously screen in Japan on April 27. Read more on Mtime
‘The Possessed’ Premiered in Beijing, Sets a New Benchmark for Domestic Horror Films
On March 28, The Possessed, this year’s most anticipated Chinese-domestic horror film, held their premier celebration with director Ma Kai and the film’s cast and crew in attendance. The evening also attracted big names in the cinematic circle, including filmmaker Lu Chuan. Hosts took creative license at many stages of the event programming. The invitation letter signed off with, “audiences: beware.” “Ghost-fire” set the red carpet ablaze, and the interactive game, “where’s the paper doll?” raised audience adrenaline to a peak level. In the thrilling atmosphere, guests praised The Possessed as an innovative breakthrough in the domestic horror genre. Filmmaker Lu Chuan confessed, “It [The Possessed] honestly gave me a scare. The director upheld a high narrative standard and the acting [throughout] was fantastic. Every actor was able to leave a strong impression on me.” Read more on China Daily
Theatrical Release of ‘The Possessed’ May be Cancelled Due to Sensitive Theme
Rumors circulate today that the theatrical release of The Possessed, a much anticipated domestic horror film set to open on April 4, is cancelled. Several preview screenings scheduled for March 31 are also said to be cancelled. Mtime reporters sought confirmation from the film’s production company Hengye Pictures, whose officials report that they are “waiting for further notice” and “unable to give a response.” The film’s producer Sun Deqiang replied that he had no clear idea either, but will “probably find out tomorrow.” Directed by Ma Kai, The Possessed is a mockumentary produced on a shockingly low 10,000 RMB budget. Formerly, during a Hong Kong screening, a female viewer passed out from terror. The Possessed begins with the students Ding Xin and Liu Meng traveling to a village to shoot a documentary. After witnessing an eerie ritual in which the dead come back to life, the two follow a senior couple to an even more remote villa, where they film an exorcism procedure. From that point on, the film becomes even more sinister. Read more on Mtime
Award-winning Arthouse Film ‘The Taste of Rice Flower’ Set for April 20 Release
Tsai Ming Liang collaborator Pengfei’s The Taste of Rice Flower has been set to release in China on April 20. As the only Chinese language film selected into the 2017 Venice Days, The Taste of Rice Flower was well received critically. The Hollywood Reporter describes the film as “a play with contrasts and conflicts. It’s beautiful, bittersweet, astute and agreeable.” In addition to its theatrical run, the film has also been selected to screen in April at various international film festivals, including Beijing International Film Festival, Hong Kong International Film Festival, and Sydney International Film Festival. Read more on Mtime
