Stephen Chow's heartwarming sci-fi film CJ7 was a hit at Shanghai's box office over its opening weekend.

According to Shanghai United Cinema Lines, the city's major cinema chain, the movie has taken 5.6 million yuan (US$767,000) in ticket sales since its national debut on Wednesday. It has grossed more than 30 million yuan nationally.

"It is a good performance for a film virtually without action," said Wu Hehu, the chain's deputy director. "Chow's large fan base seems a guarantee for strong box office."

A scene from Stephen Chow's latest sci-fi film CJ7, which has grossed more than 30 million yuan since its release on January 30. (file photo: mtime.com)

Wu said the heavy snow that plagued Shanghai for several days last week had kept people away from cinemas, causing an estimated 30-percent drop in total box office.

"In that sense, CJ7 has made a very good beginning and it is expected to reap at least 10 million yuan at our chain," he said.

Yonghua Cinema Manager Li Lan said his theater has made about 500,000 yuan from the movie.

"The emotional story line that depicts the love between a father and son will make it a good alternative for the whole family," Li said.

Thursday, the first day of Chinese New Year, will see the premiere of Kung Fu Dunk, based on the famous Japanese animation "Slam Dunk" and starring the multi-talented Jay Chou.

And from next Sunday, movie buffs will be able to see Julian Jarrold's Becoming Jane, a biographical portrait of the famous author Jane Austen and her romance with a young Irishman.

(Shanghai Daily February 4, 2008)