Big Surprise from China: A Small Drama Becomes a Global Hit

Box Office Highlights

• Gross: ~$223 million worldwide
• China Release Date: April 30
• Year‑to‑Date Rank: #2 (behind the $653 million Lunar New Year hit)
• Rating: 9.2 on a leading Chinese review site

Upcoming Release Schedule

Distributors in North America, Europe and Southeast Asia are already lining up to bring the film to their markets.

Creative Choices

• Director: Lan Hongchun
• Language: Chaoshan dialect (instead of Mandarin) – a bold decision that amplifies the film’s authenticity.
• Plot: A grandson travels to Thailand seeking his affluent grandfather, only to learn a mysterious stranger has been sending money and letters.
• Themes: Overseas remittance experience, loyalty, righteousness, the emotional power of a simple letter, and the idea that rivers and seas can be crossed by feelings.

Production Partners

• Shenzhen Golden Ant Film & Media Co.
• Rongde Holdings Group
• Shenzhen Lichun Film
• Guangzhou Mengmengda Network Technology
• Changsha Lemon Light Culture Media
• Shenzhen Yuguang Film