China’s top-grossing female director Jia Ling’s hit comedy-drama YOLO has made over $1.5 million in the United States/Canada since its theatrical debut on International Women’s Day on March 8. Distributed via Sony Pictures Releasing International (SPRI), the film has made a total of $2.8 million in SPRI markets through Sunday, March 17, including $1.5 million from the U.S./Canada. Sony Pictures International Productions acquired international distribution rights to the hit film written, directed, and starring Jia Ling.
Coming off its incredible performance in China and positive audience reaction, the Chinese-language film was released in 200 U.S./Canadian theaters on March 8 and had a superb opening weekend of $840K ($4,200 per location average), securing a spot in the Top 10 at the U.S./Canadian weekend box office. The film is currently playing in theaters.
Outside of the U.S./Canada, SPRI has released the film in Australia and New Zealand (combined running gross of $615K), with Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore to open on March 21, the Philippines on April 17 and Thailand on April 18.
Since opening in China on February 10, YOLO became a sensation and grossed $484 million at the local box office and has become the highest-grossing film over the Lunar New Year holiday and retained the #1 spot two weekends in a row. Worldwide, the film has made a combined $486 million through March 17.
About YOLO
Le Ying (played by Jia Ling) has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Le Ying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to “reconcile” with herself. One day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Hao Kun (played by Lei Jia Yin). Just when she thinks life is about to take a positive turn, the challenges that follow far exceed her imagination, and her vibrant life is just beginning…
Written and Directed by: Jia Ling
Leading Actors: Jia Ling, Lei Jia Yin
Starring: Zhang Xiaofei, Sha Yi, Zhao Haiyan, Zhang Qi, Xu Juncong, Bu Yu, Zhu Tianfu, Liu Honglu
Guest appearances: Yang Zi, Li Xueqin, Shen Chunyang, Shen Tao
Special performance: Ma Li, Qiao Shan and Wei Xiang
Based on the original film 100 YEN LOVE (Hyakuen no Koi) with original story & screenplay by Shin Adachi, directed by Masaharu Take and produced by TOEI VIDEO COMPANY, LTD.
Production Company: New Classics Pictures, Big Bowl Entertainment
Presented by: Sony Pictures International Productions