Pacific Rim has surprised many as a result of its stellar box office performance in China, having earned approximately €75 million: an amount that has surpassed its domestic US gross. The film’s excellent performance in China - expected to become the biggest market for Hollywood films within the next decade - is now predicted to earn the movie a sequel despite its underwhelming American box office. The film has also failed to achieve significant commerical success in Japan, despite its anime influences and Japanese cast members
With most of the action set in Hong Kong, it’s no surprise that the Guillermo del Toro directed movie has fared so well in the Chinese market. However, despite its Mexican director and multicultural cast, one of the country’s army officers has accused the film of being a case of American propaganda.
Zhang Jieli has published the editorial in the government-backed People’s Liberation Army daily. As translated and reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Zhang argues “the decisive battle against the monsters was deliberately set in the South China Sea adjacent to Hong Kong. The intention was to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific area and saving mankind."
Zhang suggests this is a way of subconsciously promoting an ongoing US strategy to move large amounts of their naval and other military assets into the Pacific region - the so-called ‘Asia Pivot’. He goes on to warn Chinese soldiers to “sharpen their eyes” and guard against “ideological erosion” when watching Hollywood’s cinematic output. "More importantly” he continues, “they should strengthen their combat capability to safeguard national security and interests".
Pacific Rim has seemingly managed to avoid the interference of China’s notoriously restrictive censors. As Zhang’s editorial proves, however, its success hasn’t escaped the attention of the authorities. It’s likely any theoretical sequel will have to tread lightly to avoid any further controversy in the franchise’s biggest market.
(Image: Pacific Rim / Warner Bros.)
