'Confucius' pushes 'Avatar' aside in China

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The new Chinese film Confucius, starring Chow Yun-Fat as the revered philosopher, will replace Avatar in China at standard 2D screens. Now playing in 2,500 theaters, the Hollywood blockbuster will still be available at the few 3D cinemas in the country.

Avatar is being pulled from the majority of theaters to make room for the domestic film. China limits foreign films to 20 each year and keeps imports' runs to no longer than 10 days in order not to dominate the market.

Opening on January 4 in China, Avatar has screened longer than the typical 10 days. So far, it has earned $76 million in China, the most successful movie of all time in China, like many places.

RC