"Scare Out," a new Chinese espionage thriller directed by acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, premiered in London on Tuesday, with viewers praising its slick style and stunning plot twists.
The film offers a Chinese perspective on the often dramatized subject matter of national security and intelligence, with Zhang assembling a stellar cast of Chinese talent, with the film headed by pop star Jackson Yee and accomplished actors Zhu Yilong and Song Jia.
The spy movie has created quite a buzz on social media in China, with the trailer being viewed 5.4 billion times, boding well for box office attendance.
British viewers who attended the debut screening in London hailed the film, comparing it to other spy-themed thrillers.
"I think it was incredible. It was sort of like the Manchurian Candidate but from the other side, so it's very interesting to see China's perspective on sort of espionage, corporate [espionage] and state espionage, it was really interesting," said a local moviegoer.
The story of "Scare Out" follows a national security unit that investigates a significant intelligence breach. During its filming, China's Ministry of State Security provided guidance to the crew on protocols, adding a further air of authenticity to the production.
"Actually I was quite impressed with the technology that they were showing off, like the drone and using the AI and all that," said another local cinemagoer.
Famed for creating the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, Director Zhang remains a big box office draw.
"[It's quite a] contrast from Zhang Yimou's previous styles because I've watched lots of his films growing up being Chinese myself," said a moviegoer from China.
"You can see there are so many fast paced editing to make the scenario and the story very intense and hold your breath while you're watching the film, and there are so many plot twists," said a moviegoer.
"I feel like it's a really amazing movie, and we're really honored to be here to watch this on Chinese New Year," said another moviegoer.
Espionage thriller directed by acclaimed Chinese director Zhang Yimou premieres in London
