Hong Kong has once again put its local film industry to the test during the recent holiday season, with Donnie Yen's latest project, Misjudgment, taking the lead at the box office. Between December 24 and December 26, 2024, the film grossed HKD 5,144,760, surpassing other major titles, including the Disney animation The Lion King: Mufasa, which managed to pull in HKD 3,408,656.
This year’s Christmas box office saw total revenues reach HKD 21,926,884 across Hong Kong and Macau, representing a 6.82% increase from last year’s HKD 20,526,223. Nonetheless, it is important to note this figure still falls short when compared to 2022's impressive numbers, which exceeded HKD 32 million, indicating persistent challenges for local cinema.
Five local films cracked the top ten this Christmas season, reflecting a strong showing from Hong Kong cinema. Alongside Yen's Misjudgment, the films Hell's Fury, Reunited, Burning City, and others contributed to this positive outcome. Notable is the fact Hell's Fury finished second, grossing HKD 4,004,977, showcasing the local audience's preference for homegrown stories.
Yen not only starred but also directed the film, which has reportedly become the Christmas box office champion this year, edging out both local competitors and popular international films. "Misjudgment has become the Christmas box office champion, taking down Disney's animated film The Lion King: Mufasa," reported by Hong Kong Box Office Company.
The performance of these films is part of broader trends observed this holiday season. Despite the salty improvement over last year, industry analysts warn this still does not spell long-term recovery. The decline from two years ago forces industry players to reconsider marketing strategies and exhibition practices to engage audiences effectively.
While ticket sales have improved slightly, concerns linger about the sustainability of cinema patronage. "This year’s Christmas box office revenue shows slight improvement but remains concerning compared to two years ago," the Hong Kong Box Office Company has reported. This highlights how theatrical releases still face challenging environments post-pandemic.
Local filmmakers are now faced with the question of sustainability moving forward. Past blockbusters have set high expectations, and new films are working hard to replicate their successes. Misjudgment, with its star power and engaging plot, might have achieved great instant success, but sustaining this momentum will be far more challenging.
Wider distribution efforts are underway to expand the reach of local films beyond Hong Kong and Macau, with new strategies being implemented to break through international markets. Such initiatives are seen as necessary to maintain the growth of the local film sector.
To encapsulate, the 2024 Christmas box office results have revealed positive signs for local cinema, with Misjudgment leading the way. Yet, the industry still hovers within the uncertainties of ticket revenue, audience attractiveness, and competition from both local and international releases. Ongoing evaluation and renewed marketing techniques will play a pivotal role as the sector strives to reinvent itself amid these fluctuated dynamics.
