Chinese action comedy film "Bath Buddy" made waves at the mainland China box office, raking in an impressive $28.1 million during its opening weekend. However, the film's success was overshadowed by a brewing controversy involving allegations of plagiarism. Despite the behind-the-scenes turmoil, "Bath Buddy" managed to captivate audiences and emerge as a box office hit.
The Plot
Directed by Yi Zhenxing, "Bath Buddy" presents an unlikely story of a wealthy individual who, after losing his memory, finds himself working at a bath-spa. The film delves into the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and the comical situations that arise in the bathhouse setting. With a unique premise and a blend of action and comedy, "Bath Buddy" garnered attention from moviegoers.
Controversy Strikes
Behind the scenes, the film found itself entangled in a legal dispute. Korean production company Moonwatcher accused "Bath Buddy" of plagiarizing its intellectual property—a web comic originally published on the Naver platform. Moonwatcher claimed that it had been collaborating with Chinese entertainment giant Wanda on a screenplay that catered to Chinese sensibilities, with Yi Zhenxing set to direct. However, Wanda terminated their contract in 2018 and proceeded with their own adaptation, ignoring attempts to negotiate a settlement.
The Legal Battle
In a statement released by Moonwatcher, they expressed their intention to appeal to China's specialized courts dedicated to intellectual property matters. However, the outcome remains uncertain due to the strained relationship between China and South Korea, resulting in an effective ban on Korean entertainment products in China since 2016. The controversy surrounding "Bath Buddy" added a layer of intrigue and publicity to the film, capturing the attention of both local and international audiences.
Box Office Triumph
Despite the controversy, "Bath Buddy" soared at the mainland China box office, accounting for a staggering 45% of the total nationwide gross revenues during its opening weekend. According to data from Artisan Gateway, the combined weekend earnings of all films reached $61.7 million, slightly lower than the previous session. The film's success demonstrated its popularity among Chinese moviegoers, who were drawn to its unique blend of action, comedy, and bathhouse shenanigans.
Other Box Office Highlights
During the same weekend, "Bath Buddy" faced minimal competition from Hollywood releases. The only significant new entry was the Japanese animation "Doraemon The Movie 2020: Nobita's New Dinosaur," which secured fourth place with a respectable $6 million opening. Last week's top film, "The End of Endless Love," experienced a 50% decline in weekend earnings, settling at $11 million and slipping to second place. Meanwhile, "The Croods: A New Age" earned $6.4 million, claiming the third spot.
Conclusion
Despite the controversy surrounding its alleged plagiarism, "Bath Buddy" triumphed at the mainland China box office, captivating audiences with its unique blend of action and comedy. The film's success underscored its appeal to Chinese moviegoers, who embraced its light-hearted and entertaining storyline. While the legal battle continues, "Bath Buddy" will be remembered as a box office hit, showcasing the enduring power of engaging storytelling and captivating performances.