Chinese blockbuster hit "Ne Zha 2" continued to break box office records on Thursday and has now become the third-highest grossing animated film of all time.
As of Thursday afternoon, the film's overall box office takings has now exceeded 1.36 billion U.S. dollars, taking it above the Super Mario Bros. Movie to rank among the top three most lucrative animated movies ever made.
The film is already the most commercially successful non-Hollywood animation in history and now sits behind only the 'Frozen' and 'Inside Out' movie sequels in the table of highest-earning animated movies.
The film has proven a huge hit among moviegoers of all ages since its release late last month ahead of the Chinese New Year holiday. According to the latest data on Thursday afternoon, more than 200 million people have watched it in cinemas across China, making it the first Chinese film to achieve such viewing figures.
As the long-awaited sequel to the 2019 animated adventure, "Ne Zha 2" had already gained considerable hype online, with numerous netizens on Chinese social media platforms later expressing their eagerness to return and watch the movie multiple times, such was their enjoyment of the film.
Due to the critical and commercial success of "Ne Zha 2", one of its producers -- Beijing Enlight Media - has seen a nearly 200-percent surge in its share price since the movie first hit screens on Jan 29.
After a record-breaking domestic performance, the "Ne Zha 2" film phenomenon is now looking to make its mark on the international markets as it begins to be screened in theaters around the world. The film is set to be released in the U.S. on Friday after already debuting in several countries and regions over the past week, and its global release is expected to significantly increase its overall earnings.
Drawing inspiration from a mythological tale dating back to China's Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) period, the movie showcases cutting-edge special effects, demonstrating the creativity of the Chinese movie industry. By combining various traditional Chinese cultural elements into the plot, imagery, and characters, the movie also highlights the unique charm of Chinese culture.
Chinese blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" becomes third-highest grossing animated film of all time
Chinese blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" becomes third-highest grossing animated film of all time
Lebanon's Public Health Ministry said on Sunday that the death toll from Israeli attacks in the country since March 2 has risen to 1,029, with 2,786 others wounded.
The attacks on Sunday left five people dead and 46 others injured in Lebanon. Meanwhile, the attacks have continued to escalate across the country.
Israeli warplanes struck the Qasmiyeh Bridge on the Litani River in southern Lebanon on Sunday, Lebanon's National News Agency reported, as Israel launched a new wave of airstrikes across the region.
The Israeli military confirmed the strikes, saying they targeted Hezbollah positions. Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to "immediately" destroy all bridges over the Litani River used by the group.
Hezbollah issued a series of statements on Sunday night, saying that it had launched rocket and drone attacks on multiple Israeli military targets and shot down an Israeli drone in southern Lebanon.
In addition, the Israeli army claimed to have killed a Hezbollah commander recently.
Eyal Zamir, the Israeli military chief of staff, said on Saturday that Israel's campaign against Hezbollah had "only just begun."
Also on Sunday, the Israeli military said Zamir had approved plans "to advance the targeted ground operations and strikes" against Hezbollah, and that this would be a "prolonged operation".
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Sunday condemned Israel's targeting and destruction of infrastructure and vital facilities in southern Lebanon, particularly the Qasmiyeh Bridge over the Litani River and other bridges.
Aoun said in a statement that the attacks constitute a dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty, warning that they could be a "prelude to a ground invasion" that Lebanon has repeatedly cautioned against through diplomatic channels.
He added that the attacks reflect a systematic destruction of infrastructure, and also civilian facilities and residential areas in Lebanese villages, describing them as a form of collective punishment against civilians and a violation of international humanitarian law.
Aoun called on the international community, particularly the United Nations and the Security Council, to assume their responsibilities and take immediate measures to deter Israel from continuing its attacks, warning that silence or inaction would encourage further violations and undermine the credibility of the international community.
Lebanon says death toll from Israeli attacks hits 1,029 since March 2
