Asura (2018 film)

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Asura
Asura 2018 film poster.jpg
Traditional Chinese 阿修羅
Simplified Chinese 阿修罗
Literal meaning Asura
Hanyu Pinyin Āxiūluō
Directed byPeng Zhang
Written byKirk Caouette
Screenplay by Zhenjian Yang
Adam Chanzit
Produced byZhenjian Yang
Starring Leo Wu
Carina Lau
Tony Leung Ka-fai
CinematographyPatrick Murguia
Edited byTommy Aagaard
Music by Trevor Morris
Production
companies
Alibaba Pictures
Zhenjian Film Studio
Ningxia Film Group
Release date
  • July 13, 2018 (2018-07-13)
Running time
141 minutes
CountryChina
LanguageMandarin
Budget$113.5 million [1]
Box office$7.1 million

Asura is a Chinese epic fantasy film based on Buddhist mythology. It is the directorial debut of Peng Zhang. It was released on 13 July 2018 [1] and was withdrawn on 15 July 2018. [2] The film, which was reportedly costing RMB 750 million (US$113 million), was withdrawn from theaters after only three days of release. [2] It was widely considered by the media for being used for money laundering. [3] [4] [5]

Contents

Synopsis

The story is set in Asura, the dimension of pure desire according to ancient Buddhist mythology. The mythical realm is threatened by a coup from a lower heavenly kingdom and the story follows from there. [6]

Cast

Production

The film is directed by renowned Hollywood stunt coordinator Peng Zhang ( The Twilight Saga , Ant-Man ) and produced by Alibaba Pictures. The film's screenplay is written by Zhenjian Yang ( Painted Skin: The Resurrection ). Oscar winner Ngila Dickson ( The Lord of the Rings franchise) serves as the costume designer, while Martín Hernandez ( The Revenant , Birdman ) serves as the audio director. Charlie Iturriaga ( Deadpool , Furious 7 , The Social Network ) is in charge of the visual effects. [6]

Filming

Asura is shot in seven locations across China, including Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the city of Liupanshui in Guizhou Province.[ citation needed ]

Reception

Box office

Asura earned a disappointing 49 million yuan ($7.3 million U.S.) in its opening weekend [7] and was pulled from cinemas after a statement on social media; the statement gave no explanation for the move. However, a representative from Zhenjian Film, which is credited as lead producer, later told Chinese news site Sina: "This decision was made not only because of the bad box office. We plan to make some changes to the film and release it again." [8] Despite these statements, the film has never been exhibited or marketed anywhere again.

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References

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  2. 1 2 "《阿修罗》为何突然撤档?背后你不知道的资本局". www.sohu.com. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  3. "神秘人两小时拍板入局,7.5亿《阿修罗》撤档疑云|界面新闻 · JMedia". www.jiemian.com. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  4. "突然撤档!7.5亿投资赚1738万,又一魔幻洗钱大作". ent.ifeng.com (in Chinese). Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  5. "耗资7.5亿票房却不足零头,导演毕志飞:《阿修罗》至少打9分-蓝鲸财经". www.lanjinger.com. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  6. 1 2 "First Look: China's $100M Fantasy Adventure 'Asura' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter . 18 November 2016. Archived from the original on November 25, 2016. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
  7. Li, Jane (2018-07-16). "Producers yank China's most expensive movie from screens after three meagre days at the box office". South China Morning Post . Retrieved 2020-05-12.
  8. Brzeski, Patrick (15 July 2018). "China's First $100M Film Pulled From Cinemas After Disastrous Opening Weekend". The Hollywood Reporter . Los Angeles . Retrieved 17 July 2018.