It is one of the most encouraging developments in Chinese movies since that glorious burst of work a generation ago.

ECONOMIST: Modern-day life is now the focus of the best films from China

While foreign films accounted for only a quarter of the 303 movies screened in Chinese theaters last year, they took in over half of overall ticket sales.

FORBES: China's Film Industry

Often the Chinese brands and products featured in Hollywood movies are not available outside their home market.

BBC: Chinese brands tap Hollywood in quest to go global

"In movies and television shows, there has never been a really good Chinese lead, " Hung says.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia

Instead of advertising, many Chinese production companies have shown a strong preference for product placement in TV programs, movies and online videos.

FORBES: Learning From China's Online Advertisers

China's film industry has been reaching out to Hollywood in search of co-production deals that would help studios make movies that both Chinese and global audiences like.

NPR: China's Homegrown Hit Films Struggle Overseas

After years of when going to the movies meant sitting in a drafty hall watching a film chosen by a local government committee, the Chinese have embraced the idea of taking in a movie as a desirable leisure activity.

FORBES: China's Film Industry