The poster of Bodyguards and Assassins (SINA.COM)

The Hong Kong all-star action film Bodyguards and Assassins has earned 113 million yuan ($16.5 million) in ticket sales since its debut in Chinese mainland cinemas last Friday.

Directed by Teddy Chan and produced by veteran filmmaker Peter Chan, the film features an all-star cast including Leon Lai, Donnie Yen and Nicholas Tse.

It tells the story of eight bodyguards protecting Sun Yat-sen, a pioneering Chinese revolutionary and political leader, from an assassination attempt in 1906.

"Publicity for the film relies on word of mouth," said Yu Dong, president of Polybona Film Distribution Co. Ltd., the film's distributor.

"The current box office takings are only the start. Sales will be even better during Christmas and New Year," Yu said.

The film took 74 million yuan ($10.8 million) on its first weekend. It was also released in Taiwan on Thursday.

Earlier this month, the comedy thriller A Simple Noodle Story directed by Zhang Yimou took 101 million yuan ($14.8 million) in its first four days.

China's film market is entering its annual peak season, which runs over the New Year and Spring Festival holidays. Dozens of movies will be competing in the next two months.

(CRIENGLISH.com December 26, 2009)