Asura (2018 film)

Asura is a Chinese epic fantasy film based on Buddhist mythology. It is the directorial debut of stunt coordinator Peng Zhang. The film is the first in a planned trilogy and was released on 13 July 2018.[1][2][3]

Asura
Traditional阿修羅
Simplified阿修罗
MandarinĀxiūluō
LiterallyAsura
Directed byPeng Zhang
Produced byZhenjian Yang
Written byKirk Caouette
Screenplay byZhenjian Yang
Adam Chanzit
StarringLeo Wu
Carina Lau
Tony Leung Ka-fai
Music byTrevor Morris
CinematographyPatrick Murguia
Edited byTommy Aagaard
Production
company
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

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.[2]

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.[2]

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.

Reception

Box office

Asura earned a disappointing 49 million yuan ($7.3 million U.S.) in its opening weekend[4] 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."[5]

References
  1. "Fantasy epic 'Asura' set to stun in summer screen". ecns.cn. Retrieved 14 July 2018.
  2. "First Look: China's $100M Fantasy Adventure 'Asura' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 25, 2016. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
  3. "Asura: China's $100 million fantasy adventure's first-look revealed". International Business Times. Archived from the original on February 14, 2017. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
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