Film fans from Hong Kong have been flocking across the border to the southern Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen to view the animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2", with some eager to enjoy an early viewing of the hugely popular movie ahead of its upcoming release in the region on Saturday.
The film has shattered numerous box office records since it was released on the Chinese mainland during the Chinese New Year and on Tuesday dethroned Disney's 2024 picture "Inside Out 2" to become the highest-grossing animated movie of all time.
It has already become the first film to gross the one-billion-U.S.-dollar in a single market and won the first non-Hollywood title to join the coveted billion-dollar club.
The film was set to have its premiere in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Tuesday night prior to its public release in the region on Saturday.
However, the huge hype surrounding the movie has encouraged many Hong Kong residents to head across to Shenzhen, with many saying they were enticed after seeing movie trailers and reading reviews, and simply couldn't wait any longer.
"I'm from Hong Kong and I'm here to support Chinese films. I've seen online comments about the animated film, saying it is a good and touching movie with an excellent storyline that's enlightening for viewers," said a Hong Kong resident who had headed to Shenzhen.
As the long-awaited sequel to the 2019 animated adventure "Ne Zha", the new movie draws inspiration from a mythological tale dating back to China's Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) period, showcasing cutting-edge special effects which demonstrate the creativity of China's movie industry and highlight the country's cultural charm.
"I specifically watched the first movie in Hong Kong and came today to watch its sequel here in Shenzhen, as it hasn't been screened in Hong Kong. I want to see what makes this animation so successful in attracting many adults and to learn about the latest development of Chinese animation," said another Hong Kong resident surnamed Yuen.
Ne Zha 2 has seen a high screening rate and audience attendance in cinemas across Shenzhen since its release on Jan 29, with the high-quality facilities in the city's movie theaters helping deliver a first-class viewing experience, also being a key factor, in attracting Hong Kong residents, according to one cinema employee.
Hong Kong film fans flock to mainland to see much-hyped "Ne Zha 2"
Hong Kong film fans flock to mainland to see much-hyped "Ne Zha 2"
The Japanese society should do soul-searching regarding its history of aggression and adhere to the pacifist constitution, said Shiradori Hiroshi, a professor of the Hosei University, in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) in Tokyo on April 30.
He said the government's recent move to discuss revising the three security documents deserve particular attention as the country's foreign and security policies have already witnessed major changes.
"People outside of the country hold that Japan's post-war image as a 'peace state' is now facing a major shift. Against the backdrop of tremendous changes in its foreign and security policies, the revision of the three security documents deserves particular attention. There lacks public debate in terms of the procedure, with policy changes decided unilaterally at Cabinet meetings. It is necessary to fully explain to the public as to whether such a practice is proper," said Hiroshi.
The Japanese government held its first expert panel meeting to discuss revisions to the three security documents at the Prime Minister's Office on April 27, local media reported.
Japan's current National Security Strategy and two related documents, formulated in 2022, were designed to cover the next 10 years, but the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has decided to move up the timetable to accelerate the revision process.
Increasing defense spending is one of the key topics of the meeting, according to Kyodo News.
Hiroshi said this year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, or Tokyo Trials, and the Japanese society must do soul-searching regarding its history of aggression in WWII, when it brought enormous catastrophes on Asian countries.
"Eighty years have passed since the opening of the Tokyo Trials. Japan inflicted enormous suffering on Asian countries during WWII, which should serve as an opportunity for the soul-searching. It is exact on the basis of countless sacrifices that Japan's post-war pacifism and its identity as a 'peace state' took shape. On this 80th anniversary, it is necessary for Japan to re-examine and do soul-searching regarding its history," said Hiroshi.
The Japanese government's effort to revise the pacifist constitution is widely opposed by the public.
On Sunday, around 50,000 people gathered at Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park, chanting slogans and holding banners against the government's push for constitutional revision and military expansion, the largest turnout of its kind in recent years.
Japan should adhere to pacifist constitution: scholar
