The total box office revenue of the Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2," including presales, surpassed 2 billion U.S. dollars as of Monday afternoon, according to box office tracker Maoyan Data, making it the first Asian film to reach this milestone.
With its record-breaking success, it is now the highest-grossing animated film of all time globally and the seventh highest-grossing film ever. As the movie's box office revenue continues to surge, "Ne Zha 2" is expected to surpass "Avengers: Infinity War" (which grossed about 2.05 billion U.S. dollars) to claim the sixth spot.
In addition, in Hong Kong and Macao, the total box office of the animated film, which debuted in local cinemas on February 22, has surpassed 32 million Hong Kong dollars (about 4.1 million U.S. dollars) as of Sunday, setting a new record for the highest-grossing Chinese mainland film in the regions.
As of March 2, "Ne Zha 2" was still being screened in over 800 showings across Hong Kong and Macao, with more than 600 screenings scheduled for March 3 and 4.
The film's popularity has sparked a "Ne Zha fever" in Hong Kong, with local businesses embracing the trend. Restaurants have introduced themed meal sets, while many Hong Kong moviegoers are watching the film multiple times and sharing their appreciation on social media, calling it an "energy booster."
To echo its popularity, Hong Kong's Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) aired Ne Zha 1 during prime time on February 28, offering audiences both Mandarin and Cantonese dubbing options.
Ne Zha 2 box office breaks 2 bln US dollars, first in Asia
Ne Zha 2 box office breaks 2 bln US dollars, first in Asia
Ne Zha 2 box office breaks 2 bln US dollars, first in Asia
A major port in northern Venezuela came under U.S. airstrikes in the early hours of January 3, which caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, destroyed critical medical supplies in a warehouse, and severely impacted centuries-old cultural heritage sites, according to local residents.
The La Guaira Port, a vital hub for imports that support daily life in the region, was heavily damaged during the attack.
Large quantities of medical supplies stored at the port were destroyed. A historic cultural building dating back for some 300 years was also badly damaged by the bombardment.
Residents living near the port recalled the terrifying scenes as explosions shook nearby neighborhoods.
Humberto Bolivar, who lives in a community separated from the port by only a main road, said the blast waves shattered his home's windows, while stray shrapnel struck the water tank on his roof. According to reports, three missiles were fired at the port that night.
Bolivar said that beyond material losses, he is most concerned about the psychological impact on his children, who remain too frightened to leave their home days after the attack.
"The United States invaded our country. The children were frightened. This is not good for them, because it leaves some children with psychological trauma. They do not want to go to school or leave the house, because they are afraid that something worse might happen. We truly do not want this to happen to our country," he said.
Apart from civilian facilities, local cultural heritage site was also affected.
The La Guaira state government building, a structure with nearly 300 years of history and once served as the site of Venezuela's first national customs office, was struck by the force of the explosions.
Windows of the building were shattered, and furniture scattered across the floor.
"As people of La Guaira, we feel deep pain. Our cultural heritage has been bombed. We are living in constant anxiety and suffering, and life can no longer be the same as it was before," said a local named Henry Cumares.
The U.S. side has claimed the airstrikes targeted warehouses allegedly used to store narcotics. However, locals refuted such accusation.
"According to what Donald Trump said, they bombed this place using the excuse that the warehouses here were used to store drugs at the port. But based on the video released by our governor, these warehouses that were burned contained medicine for kidney patients and foods. Many people depend on these supplies to survive. I think the bombing is extremely despicable," said a local resident named Alejandro Capriles.
US strike hits Venezuelan port, wrecking medical supplies, heritage building
