Cinema's leading role

Topping the global box office, the movie industry adopts various innovations to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, Xu Fan reports.

To paraphrase a silver screen classic, to boldly go where no one has gone before could be the mission statement for the Chinese box office. As of June 23, China had grossed more than 27.10 billion yuan ($4.18 billion) in the first six months of this year－cementing its position as the world's largest movie market in terms of yearly box office－as local talent was encouraged to explore new frontiers in diverse genres.

Propelled by iconic auteur Zhang Yimou's first espionage thriller Cliff Walkers, ticket revenue in May came to 4.90 billion yuan, a record, according to the national film industry development special fund management commission, which is operated by the country's top movie and finance authorities.

Eight of the 10 highest-grossing films this year are Chinese blockbusters, with female comedian-turned-filmmaker Jia Ling's directorial feature Hi, Mom in the top slot with stunning box-office takings of 5.40 billion yuan. It propelled the smash hit to become this year's highest-grossing blockbuster so far, according to trackers Beacon and Box Office Mojo.