HONG KONG – Ang Lee's "Lust, Caution" got off to a suitably racy start at the Hong Kong and Taiwanese box offices.
In Hong Kong pic seduced spectators to the tune of HK$3.5 million ($450,000) on its Wednesday opening day, a figure that includes $142,000 of sneak previews on Tuesday. Distribber Edko Films says figures are an all time opening day record in September.
Pic was given a wide release by Edko timed to coincide with the mid-Autumn public holiday. It went out on 60 prints at a total of 35 venues. Ed
Figures are very strong, considering the two and a half hour running time and that the pic carries a Category III rating, limiting it to over 18 auds.
Early indications are that "Lust" may have good legs. Afternoon screenings on Thursday were good enough to put the work day on course for a HK$1 million take. Audrey Lee, Edko's GM of sales and acquisition, said company is now forecasting a take of $15 million - $18 million ($1.93 million - $2.31 million) for the five day week (including sneaks) to Monday.
In Ang Lee's birthplace of Taiwan, where "Lust" had its official opening on Tuesday, pic frolicked to NT35 million ($1.07 million) in two days. Edko says figures are the biggest ever for a Tuesday in September.
