| Asura | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Traditional Chinese | 阿修羅 |
| Simplified Chinese | 阿修罗 |
| Literal meaning | Asura |
| Hanyu Pinyin | Āxiūluō |
| Directed by | Peng Zhang |
| Written by | Kirk Caouette |
| Screenplay by | Zhenjian Yang Adam Chanzit |
| Produced by | Zhenjian Yang |
| Starring | Leo Wu Carina Lau Tony Leung Ka-fai |
| Cinematography | Patrick Murguia |
| Edited by | Tommy Aagaard |
| Music by | Trevor Morris |
| Production companies | Alibaba Pictures Zhenjian Film Studio Ningxia Film Group |
| Release date |
|
| Running time | 141 minutes |
| Country | China |
| Language | Mandarin |
| Budget | $113.5 million |
| 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 It was released on 13 July 2018 and was withdrawn on 15 July 2018. The film, which was reportedly costing RMB 750 million (US$113 million), was withdrawn from theaters after only three days of release. It was widely considered by the media for being used for money laundering.
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.
Cast
- Leo Wu as Ruyi
- Carina Lau as Asura King, Head of Cunning
- Tony Leung Ka-fai as Asura King, Head of Desire
- Ming Dao as Doctor
- Zhang Yishang as Hua
- Matt William Knowles as Rawa
- Damien Walters
- Umar Khan as Jeeon
- Caitlin Dechelle
- Paul Philip Clark
- Gigi Feshold
- Augustus Du Guy
- Alexander J. Guy
- Ron Smoorenburg
- Jeannine Derbez
- Joseph Castillo
- Shakirudeen Alade as Dolo
- Bonetics Junior
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.
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 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." Despite these statements, the film has never been exhibited or marketed anywhere again.
References
- ^ "Fantasy epic 'Asura' set to stun in summer screen". ecns.cn. Retrieved 14 July 2018.
- ^ "《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.
- "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.
- "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.
- "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.
- ^ "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.
- 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.
- 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.