Films to see during the summer holiday

As we reach the midpoint of the summer season (June 1 to Aug 31), the film market is experiencing a remarkable surge. As of July 19, the total domestic box office for the summer season has already exceeded 9.3 billion yuan (nearly $1.3 billion), surpassing the 9.14 billion yuan achieved throughout the entire summer of 2022.

Here we recommend five domestic films that have won praise from audiences this season. Take the opportunity to beat the heat by treating your children or friends to an afternoon or evening at the cinema.

As the inaugural work of Light Chaser Animation's "New Culture" series, the film Chang'an takes its title from the ancient name of Xi'an in Shaanxi province, which served as capital of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) for over 280 years.

The film primarily revolves around the extraordinary lives of the great poets Li Bai and Gao Shi, highlighting their enduring friendship. It also breathes life into other iconic figures of that era and features a selection of renowned poetry verses, some of which are still widely studied in modern-day textbooks.

Set against the rich tapestry of history, the animation showcases the prosperity of Chang'an, the picturesque charm of Yangzhou, the resplendent Yellow Crane Tower and the splendor of the Three Gorges, among other stunning scenes, offering audiences a captivating visual experience.

At an impressive 168 minutes, Chang'an is the longest Chinese animated movie, a rare epic in the form.

As students enjoy their summer vacations, the film has been warmly embraced by children and their parents alike, providing an invaluable opportunity to delve deeper into the ancient Tang Dynasty, its esteemed poets and the timeless allure of their work.

Never Say Never is the second directorial work from actor-turned filmmaker Wang Baoqiang.

Adapted from real-life events, the movie stars Wang as a fight coach determined to assist a group of underprivileged rural children. Through sports, he provides them with a chance for a better life.

Wang revealed he dedicated six years to the movie, which mirrors his own personal journey of seeking a breakthrough from his previously stagnant life.

Describing the film as "a story of seeking a way out", Wang said it has not only helped him get out of a dilemma but also holds immense meaning for his own life.

The director has poured considerable effort into the details, and netizens said they were deeply touched by the story.

Since its release on July 14, Oh My School! has earned a remarkable 175 million yuan in revenue and garnered a rating of 8 points out of 10 on Douban, a popular review platform, second only to Chang'an.

The film is an adaptation of a network animation series that ran between 2014 and 2018. Set in a junior high school in Changchun, Northeast China, it tells the amusing story of Wang Qiang, a struggling student who unexpectedly swaps bodies with Shi Miao'na, a strict teacher, leading to a series of comedic mishaps.

Throughout the movie, many prominent landmarks in Changchun are skillfully woven into the scenes, capturing the essence of daily life and cultural elements unique to Northeast China. The clever use of the region's dialect adds a special touch of humor to the storytelling.

Creation of The Gods: Kingdom of Storms is the first installment of a hugely budgeted trilogy loosely adapted from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) novel Fengshen Yanyi (The Investiture of the Gods). The epic blends history and mythology to show how Ji Fa, a righteous lord, led a rebellious army to overthrow the notorious tyrant King Zhou 3,000 years ago.

With ethnic Mongolian director Wuershan at the helm, the movie stars Chinese American actor Kris Phillip, better known domestically by his Chinese name Fei Xiang, as King Zhou, and features young actor Yu Shi in the role of Ji, the rebellious lord.

Yan Shaofei, the secretary-general of the China Film Association, said Fengshen Yanyi is akin to the "mother body" of Chinese mythology, as it contains descriptions of many mythological figures that have had a profound impact on future generations, including Ne Zha and Yang Jian.