Since its premiere on December 6 in the Chinese mainland, Gezhi Town has taken theaters by storm, grossing over 100 million yuan (about $14.14 million) in just 15 hours. This record-breaking start marks the strongest opening-day performance for a domestic film since late September, outpacing expectations and reshaping the box office landscape this year.
Set against the backdrop of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, Gezhi Town shifts focus from sweeping historical epics to the intimate struggles of ordinary residents in Yichang, Hubei. Viewers have praised its human-centric storytelling, which highlights resilience and solidarity among families facing wartime hardship.
Industry insiders credit the film’s success to a blend of grassroots marketing, buzz on social platforms, and a growing appetite for narratives that spotlight everyday heroes. As Gezhi Town continues its run, theaters across the Chinese mainland are reporting sold-out shows, signaling sustained momentum into the holiday season.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
