Chinese blockbusters showcase cultural depth, sparking global interests

Success of the release of blockbusters for the recent Chinese New Year holiday season, including the record-breaking animated film "Ne Zha 2", has not only sent China's box office soaring but also sparked foreign audiences' curiosity about and interest in Chinese culture.

"Ne Zha 2" -- a sequel to the series about a rebellious boy-god from Chinese mythology -- is now ranked the 7th on the all-time global box office chart. As of Saturday afternoon, the global earnings of "Ne Zha 2", including presales, had exceeded 14.2 billion yuan (about 1.98 billion U.S. dollars), according to data from ticketing platform Maoyan.

Even though it hasn't premiered in Europe yet, film enthusiasts in some European countries who have seen trailers of the blockbuster say they are filled with anticipation for this "demon child" from the East.

China Media Group (CMG) reporters, in carrying out a promotional program, have engaged with some of the film enthusiasts, inviting them to pronounce "Ne Zha" and dub lines from the film.

The promotion in Europe is part of "China Travel with Chinese Films" initiative launched on Feb 17, as several Chinese blockbusters, including "Ne Zha 2", "Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force", and "Detective Chinatown 1900", have garnered international attention.

Hosted by the China Film Administration and the CMG, it aims to capitalize on the films' popularity and visa-free transit policies to draw more international tourists to China.

The program has also extended to Africa. While "Ne Zha 2" has yet to arrive in South Africa, "Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force" is already captivating audiences in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.

After watching the film, more Africans say they are eager to explore the beauty of landscape in China beyond the screen.

"After watching the movie, I want to visit China, because the scenery, the landscapes in China is just amazing. And now rapidly fast the technology is growing, I want to learn more about the rapidly-growing technology, and that's one of the main reasons why I do want to go and visit China," said Sidny, a moviegoer in Johannesburg.

Chinese blockbusters showcase cultural depth, sparking global interests

The United States has sent Iran a 15-point peace plan in an effort to end the war, which is now in its fourth week, while the Iranian side insists the conflict will continue until their demands for reparations and sanctions relief are met.

According to media reports on Tuesday, the United States has sent the peace plan to Iran via Pakistan. The plan addresses Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs and discusses maritime routes, referring to the Strait of Hormuz.

The plan reportedly demands that Iran dismantle its nuclear capabilities, cease all uranium enrichment, and provide a permanent commitment to never seeking nuclear weapons, according to the reports.

It is also reported that Iran would be required to halt funding and arming allied groups in the region and guarantee that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping.

In exchange, the United States is offering full sanctions relief, assistance in developing a civilian nuclear energy project in southern Iran's Bushehr, and the removal of the "snapback" mechanism threat that enables the reimposition of previously lifted UN sanctions on Iran.

Reports also indicate that the United States is considering a one-month ceasefire to facilitate further negotiations on the plan.

However, Mohsen Rezaei, the new military advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, said Monday that Iran will continue its war with the United States until its demands are met, including full reparations, economic sanctions relief and guarantees of non-interference in its internal affairs.

US sends 15-point peace plan to Iran, Iran vows to fight on until demands met