'Chinese Peacekeeping Forces': Latest domestic war film debut in China

World
Europe

02:59

China's work on the front-lines of UN peacekeeping operations is now being depicted on the silver screen. "Chinese Peacekeeping Forces" comes after other successful war movies in China. Released on Friday, it is built on China's efforts to maintain peace and security in the embattled South Sudan.

The movie portrays the heroic stories of Chinese peacekeepers who are operating in some of Africa's most hostile regions.

It comes on the heals of other domestic military-themed movies -- such as "Wolf Warrior 2" and "Operation Red Sea"-- which went down very well at the box office. So can this one follow suit?

"After we watched the movie, I was deeply impressed by the spirit of Chinese peacekeepers and felt very proud to be part of our country."

"The movie let us know how China is doing on the world stage. Now our country has the power to protect our citizens overseas. China also plays an important role in keeping world peace. I feel really proud, so when I heard about this movie, I decided to watch it."

But some felt the producers could have done more to make the movie more engaging.

"Generally speaking, the movie is good, especially the story it tells. But I would prefer 'Operation Red Sea', I think 'Chinese Peacekeeping Forces' has to improve its visual effects, it should be more thrilling."

Chinese Peacekeeping Forces grossed about ten and a half million yuan -- or one and half million dollars -- in its first three days, well below on "Operation Red Sea" and "Wolf Warrior 2". Many felt let down by the movie, after the sheer excitement of the other two.

WANG WENLIANG DUTY MANAGER, SHUANGJING UME, BEIJING "We have many good domestic war movies before, so many moviegoers thought this one should also be as good as 'Operation Red Sea' and 'Wolf Warrior 2'. However, the film failed them. We arranged a busy screening schedule on its debut Friday, but we had only few screenings during the weekend due to lack of viewers."

Wang also said people tend to prefer movies that are set close to their daily lives. Chinese films like "Dying to Survive" and "Fat Buddies" received such positive reviews and, more importantly, high numbers at the box office.

In recent years, the success of "Operation Red Sea" and "Wolf Warrior 2" has raised the interest and taste of domestic viewers in war-genre films. It has yet to be seen whether "Chinese Peacekeeping Forces" can ride on the momentum of the other two in box offices and reviews.