Cinemas in London on Friday hosted preview screenings for the Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2", igniting widespread excitement and receiving glowing reviews in the UK.
The film is set for official release in the UK and Ireland on March 21, with screenings planned in over 250 cinemas across 100 cities in the two countries during its first week.
"Ne Zha 2" has shattered global box office records to become the No. 1 box office animated film of all time and also the first non-Hollywood production to crack the global all-time top 10 box office chart.
According to data from China's ticketing platform Maoyan, the film's global earnings, including presales, have exceeded 15.019 billion yuan (about 2.08 billion U.S. dollars) as of Saturday, overtaking Disney's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and securing its place as the fifth highest-grossing film of all time globally.
Rooted in 16th-century Chinese mythology with a bold reinterpretation, the movie, which appeals to all age groups, has attracted global audiences with its stunning visuals, well-crafted storytelling, and deep cultural heritage.
Many people in the UK have expressed immense excitement for the film.
"What I am expecting to see is just amazing, gorgeous, stunning animation," said one UK resident.
"I saw the trailers on YouTube, and it looks fantastic," another shared.
Another viewer at the preview screenings praised the film's choreography, fight scenes, and character animation, saying he was glued to his seat throughout the movie.
"I really enjoyed the movie. I was thoroughly entertained the entire time. It looks great on the big screen. It sounded fantastic," said another moviegoer.
"It's a new step for the animation industry. It shows that there's more outside than just what the Western sphere knows," another moviegoer shared.
Preview screenings of "Ne Zha 2" thrill UK fans ahead of official release
Preview screenings of "Ne Zha 2" thrill UK fans ahead of official release
Preview screenings of "Ne Zha 2" thrill UK fans ahead of official release
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
