A live-action film, titled as 'National Treasure' has claimed the second-highest grossing spot in Japan's box office history. Despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, the movie drew audiences nationwide with its rich storyline and high-quality production. This achievement underscores the resilience and popularity of domestic cinema in Japan, further solidifying its standing in the entertainment industry.
In Japan, domestic films, especially live-actions based on popular anime/manga or historical narratives, are much loved and often gain significant attention from the audience. This surge in the local film market is perceived as a national triumph, highlighting a revival of Japan's cinema industry amid global entertainment competition. The social value of promoting home-grown content and appreciating Japanese culture and storytelling contributes to such considerable public interest in domestic films.
In contrast, Hollywood dominates the film industry in the US, with international films struggling to gain similar popularity due to language barriers and cultural differences. On the other hand, European cinemas tend to be more open to international film, though their primary focus remains on local and regional content. What's notable though is the rise of non-English content globally, a trend punctuated by 'Parasite's historical Oscar win.