Will foreign films 'conquer' the Chinese market this month?

While foreign films seem to be bearing down menacingly, the results are not that satisfying. The six films from six different countries raked in only 34 million yuan, or $5 million, in total on their opening day, compared to Disney's animated film Coco, which is entering its second week and took in more than 51 million yuan on the same day, according to box office provider Maoyan.

"Six films opening on the same day is a rare scene. Though the genres of the films are diversified and from different countries, the number of screens the market can provide is limited. Many moviegoers even barely heard of those films. It's difficult for the films to get a big share of the market," said Yu Chao, vice general manager of the Capital Cinema.

This opinion was echoed by Tang Le, manager of film row issuance at Huayi Brothers. "The number of films is too big. Besides, the market is not dominated by imported films. Audiences are certainly more familiar with Chinese actors. For example, the box office ofe Kill Me Please faturing comedian Wang Xun is apparently better than those low-budget imported films."

Nonetheless, industry insiders warned that the large scale of foreign films jumping in December could pose a threat to the already crowded market, putting domestic films under pressure, which, in the positive aspect, could inspire Chinese filmmakers to produce better films to survive the competition.