Since opening in China on February 10th, YOLO has grossed over $464.2 million at the Chinese box office and has become the highest-grossing film over the Lunar New Year holiday, retaining the #1 spot two weekends in a row. China’s top grossing female director Jia Ling’s hit comedy drama will be released in select theaters in North America this Friday, March 8th via Sony Pictures Releasing International. Written, directed and starring Jia Ling, the Chinese-language film will be released in approximately 200 select locations across the U.S. and Canada.
YOLO follows Le Ying (played by Jia Ling), an unemployed woman in her 30s who still lives with her parents until one day, she meets a boxing coach who just may change her life.
Jia Ling has gotten a lot of press for having first gained 44 pounds for the role – before losing 110 pounds (!!!) for the role as well for the story of the film. There is a music video associated with the film on Weibo of both versions of herself singing side-by-side – it’s pretty amazing:
I’m not sure when the last time I saw a Chinese film in a mainstream theater as opposed to a film festival. While those films tended to be period pieces with martial arts (Hero, House of Flying Daggers, etc.). YOLO takes place today.
It will be interesting to see how well this film does – I don’t think I’ve seen much promotion for the film thus far. If you’re interested in the film, you can check out where it’s screening here: https://www.yolo.movie/. I am really curious myself and will probably check out the film after watching Kung Fu Panda 4.
