Napoleon, by Ridley Scott, is set for theatrical release in China

Napoleon, the historical epic directed by Ridley Scott, will open in mainland Chinese theatres next month.

Sony Pictures and Apple Original Films’ film has been approved for import into China and is scheduled to open on December 1, the company announced on Thursday.

Per a Sony synopsis, the film “details the checkered rise and fall of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix. Against a stunning backdrop of large-scale filmmaking orchestrated by legendary director Ridley Scott, the film captures Bonaparte’s relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his one true love, Josephine, showcasing his visionary military and political tactics against some of the most dynamic practical battle sequences ever filmed.”

The movie is rated “R” in North America due to its intense violence, graphic scenes, sexual content, and a brief bad language. Although some exhibitors occasionally provide their own further information, China does not have an official classification system, therefore films must be licenced for screening to audiences of all ages or none at all.

Hollywood studios do not distribute any foreign revenue-sharing films in China; instead, one of two state-owned distribution corporations handles the releases. Although the marketing and promotional campaigns are supported and partially funded by the studios’ representative offices in China.

This year has seen a return of Hollywood films to China following a two-year break that was caused by COVID-19-related delays in film releases as well as tense political ties between the two countries.

After a year of excruciating suffering, import normality was restored in December of last year with the publication of “Avatar: The Way of Water,” which seems to have been partially driven by the desire to revive the Chinese exhibition business.

Hollywood imports have generally been given release dates that coincide with, or shortly precede, their domestic and worldwide premieres. Furthermore, they typically receive several weeks’ notice in advance, which gives them time to plan marketing efforts.

The world premiere of “Napoleon” took place earlier this week in Paris, France. Opinions have differed. On November 22, the movie opens in North America and several other countries. Barely eight days later, it will be showing in Chinese theatres.

This year, Hollywood films have mostly flopped in the Middle Kingdom box office, despite the generally favourable conditions. As of 2023, Chinese theatres have brought in about $7 billion in total revenue, according to consultant Artisan Gateway. That is approximately 14% less than comparable 2019 performance and up 78% from a terrible 2022. However, local movies are unquestionably popular, and the overall market share of foreign films is less than 15%.