Noticias

China’s box office surged over the July 18–20 weekend, led by a strong showing from local-language titles. “The Lychee Road,” a period drama distributed by Aimmedia Pictures, opened in first place with RMB170.3 million ($23.7 million), according to data from Artisan Gateway.

Including previews, the film has amassed a $31.7 million cumulative total. Directed by Dong Chengpeng and scripted by Si’ao Dai and Yuyue Shen (based on Ma Boyong’s novel), “The Lychee Road” follows petty official Li Shande (Dong Chengpeng) as he embarks on a nearly impossible mission: delivering fresh lychees across 5,000 miles during the Tang Dynasty to appease the imperial court’s demand.

Animated fantasy sequel “The Legend of Hei 2” (Qianwanjian Media) took second place with $14.4 million. Co-directed and co-written by Mtjj (Ping Zhang) and Gu Jie, the sequel follows Luo Xiaohei, a cat spirit who, two years after settling into the human world alongside his mentor Wuxian, faces...

Universal’s “Jurassic World Rebirth” retained its lead at the China box office for a second weekend, earning RMB80.2 million ($11.1 million) from July 11–13, according to data from Artisan Gateway.

The dinosaur tentpole has now amassed $62.8 million after 12 days on release.

In a rare tie, local thriller “Malice” and racing drama “F1: The Movie” shared second place with $8.2 million each. “Malice,” produced by As One Production, has reached a cumulative total of $25.6 million. Directed by Lai Mukuan and Yao Wenyi, the film follows journalist Ye Pan (Zhang Xiaofei), who becomes the centre of controversy when she accuses nurse Li Yue and mother You Qian of involvement in a mysterious double fall. Her reporting ignites a public uproar as layers of truth and public opinion collide.

“F1,” from Apple Original and Warner Bros., stands at $35.6 million after three weekends in the Middle Kingdom.

Warner’s DC Studios launched “Superman” in fourth place with $6.2 million,...