Congratulations are in order for director Jing Wu, whose war-time action thriller WOLF WARRIOR 2 just broke the all-time Chinese Box Office record with an astounding $571 million earned within the first 14 days of its release! An impressive achievement for certain, the record had previously been held by Stephen Chow's fantasy comedy THE MERMAID. When the KUNG FU HUSTLE and SHAOLIN SOCCER helmer's aquatic adventure had exited theaters, the film had collected a total of $527 million during its legendary theatrical run. Now, WOLF WARRIOR 2 gets to wear the crown, and China is thrilled by the film's success.
You can check out our exclusive clip from WOLF WARRIOR 2 by watching the player posted below:
If you're unfamiliar with Jing Wu's top-dollar-earner, the movie tells the story of what happens when China's deadliest special forces operative settles into a quiet life on the sea. But when sadistic mercenaries begin targeting nearby civilians, he must leave his newfound peace behind and return to his duties as a soldier and protector. Actors Frank Grillo, Jing Wu, and Celina Jade lead the action extravaganza.
What's also quite interesting is that the original WOLF WARRIOR had only earned a tepid $89.1 million during its time of its release. With that being said, it's to note that the original film was released during the summer months in China, which is not typically their best box office season. Nah, their particular brand of theatrical jazz usually transpires during the Chinese New Year holiday season, which tends to fall in late January and early February.
In addition to WOLF WARRIOR 2 performing like gangbusters in the Chinese theater market, opinions revolving around the film have been mostly positive, with many individuals and reviewers saying that they enjoy the film's overt patriotism and rough-and-tumble, top-quality action sequences. What's more is that writer, director, and actor, Jing Wu, created the film using $30 million for production needs and otherwise. Now, this movie might sound like The Little Engine That Could, but it's worth noting that both Joe and Anthony Russo of Marvel film fame were consultants on the kickass actioner.
In paying attention to chatter about the film, some have likened the pulse-pounding release to RAMBO, saying that it makes no bones about being a testosterone and patriotism-filled slugfest, much like the American action films of the 1980s.
Well shit, sign me up! I'm always down for a little bit of the ultra-violence on film, and that exclusive clip I posted above has this movie looking pretty sweet. I think I'll grab me a bucket of popcorn, invite some friends over, and enjoy this one as soon as I can get my paws on it.
WOLF WARRIOR 2 was released in China back on July 27th of this year.