Action thriller dominates presale box office ahead of May Day holiday

Positioned as a groundbreaking cinematic endeavor, the upcoming action film Formed Police Unit has surged to the forefront of China's presale box office rankings for the upcoming May Day holiday, marking a significant milestone as the first commercial film to spotlight China's peacekeeping police missions on foreign soil.

Starring acclaimed actors Huang Jingyu and Wang Yibo, alongside actress Zhong Chuxi, the movie has already amassed an impressive 25 million yuan ($3.45 million) in ticket presales by Monday, as reported by the movie information tracker Beacon.

In a bid to ensure authenticity, the film's production team painstakingly re-created the authentic settings where Chinese peacekeeping police operatives are stationed and execute their missions. Notably, the construction of the film's largest set, a meticulously detailed square, spanned over 200 days, attesting to the filmmakers' commitment to realism.

He Xiaojun, a police officer who served as a consultant for the film, shared how the movie stirred memories of his own overseas missions, particularly as he witnessed the attention to detail in the props and costumes, including helmets, bulletproof vests, and replica firearms.

Helmed by Hong Kong director Lee Tat-chiu, Formed Police Unit narrates the riveting tale of a group of Chinese peacekeeping police dispatched to conflict-ridden regions abroad, where they navigate perilous challenges like terrorist threats, armed rebellions, and criminal syndicates. Amid these dangers, the officers prioritize their mission's success above all else, showcasing valor and resilience in the face of adversity.

Scheduled for a nationwide release on May 1, the film promises audiences a gripping cinematic experience that not only entertains but also sheds light on the valor and sacrifices of China's peacekeeping forces operating on the global stage.