Cast members of My Own Swordsman. [China.org.cn]

As 2011 is the year of the rabbit, the film, opening on January 21, has changed its storyline to fill it with the rabbit element. The goats and wolves come into a magic world of sweets, chocolates and puddings. Faced with the invasion of the devil army of bitter melons, they again work as one to fight for victory.

Adapted from the TV comedy series of the same name made six years ago, the martial arts film My Own Swordsman is certain to be well received by its established TV fan base. Releasing in movie halls nationwide on January 26, the film has retained the same production team and cast as the original television serial.

My Own Swordsman continues its humor with a focus on social issues like the goings-on in the real estate industry. "This is an updated version of the TV series. It is a film this time. Of course, it has better cinematography, the actors are more experienced and the script is a hot social issue that people are concerned with. It is not a copy of the TV series," Shang Jing, director of the film, told the Global Times.

According to Han Sanping, chairman of China Film Group, the 10 billion yuan (US$1.50 billion) annual box-office revenue goal has been met in 2010. The annual box-office target set for 2011 is 13 billion yuan (US$1.96 billion).

"January is an important month for the box-office. Last year Avatar made a good start in January, which contributed 1.3 billion yuan (US$195.39 million) to the year's target of 10 billion yuan goal. A good start is essential for the annual box-office goal," film critic Hu Liang told the Global Times.

(Global Times December 30, 2010)