Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 193 Horror Movies That Shatter Common Sense

"Bruce, well done! I knew you could do it. Just like that, roll over and pin Julia down!"

Seeing that "The Sixth Sense" had overtaken "The Sixth Sense" at the box office, even though it was only by a narrow margin of over 30, "The Sixth Sense" was still overjoyed.

Wu Yuchen was constantly encouraging Bruce Willis, as he was the primary force in promoting the film and directly influenced the success of the promotional tour.

Bruce was also taken aback by Saturday's box office results. Initially, he hadn't thought it could really beat "Runaway Bride," but the surge was unexpected, even surpassing it. Seeing this, coupled with the positive word-of-mouth and predictions from professional organizations, his confidence in the film's box office performance greatly increased. He laughed happily at Wu Yuchen:

"Aha! Wu, don't worry, I'm Bruce Willis, and being hard is an essential quality for a tough guy!"

As it turns out, not only Bruce Willis remained strong, but The Sixth Sense also performed well at the box office.

Box office revenue on Sundays typically drops significantly compared to Saturdays due to the proximity to weekdays. For example, "Runaway Bride" earned 1311 million yuan on Saturday, but only 945 million yuan on Sunday, a drop of nearly 30%.

However, the Sunday box office results for "The Sixth Sense" left the outspoken actress speechless as she looked at the documents: 1531 million!
The box office for "The Sixth Sense" on Sunday not only did not drop compared to Saturday, but actually achieved a miraculous increase against the trend!

The rise and fall of this Sunday's box office results directly widened the gap between "The Sixth Sense" and "Runaway Bride".

Julia Roberts' opening weekend gross of $3509 million wasn't bad, and in theory, it should have been enough to push the film past $100 million in North America and generate substantial profits, proving that she, as a Hollywood A-list actress, could justify her $20 million salary. However, seeing "The Sixth Sense" ahead of her with a whopping $4129 million, Julia Roberts couldn't be happy.

Failing to secure the top spot in the opening weekend will undoubtedly put the film at a disadvantage, and if its word-of-mouth is also inferior to its competitors, many undecided viewers will be drawn away by the latter. While the film market isn't a winner-takes-all market, a snowball effect certainly exists.

Meanwhile, on the set of "The Sixth Sense," Jennifer Connelly was undoubtedly the most excited to see the $4129 million opening weekend box office. After all, Wu Yuchen had previously achieved a box office of over $5000 million in his opening weekend with "Phone Booth," and Bruce Willis has experienced many big-budget films.

Wu Yuchen was fairly satisfied with the opening weekend box office of 4129 million yuan, which was worthwhile considering his efforts to get Disney to open the film in more theaters. He then glanced at "The Blair Witch Project," which ranked third with 1900 million yuan. He felt that if it weren't for this movie, "The Sixth Sense" would have had even higher box office numbers, since both films contained horror and thriller elements, and the overlap in genres inevitably led to some box office revenue being taken away.

However, there's no need to worry too much. The reason why "The Sixth Sense" was able to achieve amazing box office results in its previous life was mainly due to the sustained box office performance brought by its good reputation. He believes that these regular moviegoers will eventually go to the cinema again because of the good reputation of "The Sixth Sense".

Bruce Willis clinked glasses with Wu Yuchen, holding a glass of red wine, and then said with a smile, "No matter how many times you've topped the box office, it will always feel wonderful when you take that position again."

"Bruce, I thought you were used to it by now!"

Bruce Willis chuckled and said, "Hollywood is very competitive. Even big stars can easily crash and burn, let alone this time when they were up against Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. I'm surprised they beat 'Runaway Bride'! Wu, 'The Sixth Sense' is truly a great movie. Thank you for inviting me~"

What made him even happier this time was that his acting skills were recognized, and the film also achieved high box office returns. Moreover, "The Sixth Sense" directly helped him transform his image, broadening his acting range and removing the label that he could only play tough guys. This would greatly increase his chances of competing for more dramatic roles in the future.

Wu Yuchen smiled and said, "Bruce, your performance was also great. This role was perfect for you!"

Then he changed the subject, jokingly saying, "However, I think it's a bit early for you to say thank you now~"

"Hmm?" Bruce Willis asked curiously.

"It's not too late to wait until the movie is out of theaters and the total box office figures are released!"

"Um, Wu, you mean... this movie's box office performance will surprise me?" Bruce Willis asked uncertainly.

"Maybe it can even set a new box office record for your career~" Wu Yuchen said with a smile, swirling his wine glass.

Bruce chuckled upon hearing this, thinking Wu Yuchen was definitely joking. After all, his career box office record was quite high; just last year, he starred in the disaster film "Armageddon," directed by Michael Bay, which grossed $5.53 million worldwide, ranking first in global box office in 98.

Although "The Sixth Sense" had a very impressive opening weekend box office and received rave reviews, he believes it is simply impossible for it to surpass "Armageddon's" 5.53 million.

Think about the movies that have grossed over $5 million in recent years. They're the so-called blockbusters like *Titanic*, *Jurassic Park*, and *Independence Day*—big-budget productions with grand scenes to capture a wider audience. While *The Sixth Sense* is also quite good, lower-budget genre films simply can't match the direct, thrilling, and impactful nature of big-budget productions.

In his opinion, it would be great if "The Sixth Sense" could reach Cinemascore's predicted $3.5 million at the box office!

Looking at Wu Yuchen's youthful face, Bruce Willis could understand the mentality of young people who get carried away after achieving remarkable results. He had been through the same thing back then, and he felt like he was the center of the world.

However, Bruce Willis wasn't stupid, and naturally wouldn't say anything to hurt Wu Yuchen when everyone was happy. His wine glass clinked against Wu Yuchen's, making a crisp sound.
"Wow, Wu, I have to say your idea has startled me. But I really hope that 'The Sixth Sense' can break my box office record again, then I'll be laughing in my sleep!"

"Haha, you will!"

……

"The Sixth Sense grossed over 4000 million in its opening weekend, taking the top spot at the box office!"

"Bruce Willis's transformation outshines Julia Roberts to win the championship!"

"Bruce Willis's brilliant performance has won the audience's recognition, and 'The Sixth Sense' deserves its box office champion status!"

The newspapers not only reported on the weekly box office competition and film reviews, but also included comments and remarks from celebrities, such as Leonardo DiCaprio, who is now undoubtedly a top star. "Yes, I went to see *The Sixth Sense* as soon as it was released, and the ending truly amazed me, it was fantastic! Both Bruce Willis and Haley Chase delivered outstanding performances. Of course, director John Woo is crucial; I've worked with him before and know how talented he is. I really look forward to having the opportunity to work with him again in the future!"

There's also Sylvester Stallone, who stays home to take care of his daughter. His second daughter was born last year, so he turned down many offers to be a stay-at-home dad.

"Without a doubt, Wu is a very capable director; his talent is beyond question. If it weren't for the fact that my daughter was just born, I would definitely have competed for the role in 'The Sixth Sense,' which I could have played very well!"

Seeing these two male leads, with whom he had previously collaborated, both speak out in support of "The Sixth Sense," Wu Yuchen couldn't help but smile. Of course, he understood that this was due to the success of his film; otherwise, even if Leonardo DiCaprio and Sylvester Stallone had a past relationship with him, they wouldn't have spoken against the prevailing opinion.

Beyond mass media like newspapers, the positive word-of-mouth surrounding "The Sixth Sense" has led viewers to spontaneously recommend it to their relatives and friends, or to promote it online.

"Trust me, you absolutely have to see 'The Sixth Sense,' the ending is amazing! You simply can't believe it!"

"Tom, you'll never guess how 'The Sixth Sense' ends!"

"The ending of 'The Sixth Sense' has a shocking twist that will definitely amaze you!"

"Don't watch 'The Blair Witch Project,' that's garbage! Go watch 'The Sixth Sense,' that's a true masterpiece!"

On weekdays, both "The Sixth Sense" and "Runaway Bride" inevitably experienced a significant drop in box office revenue.

Films like "Runaway Bride" saw their box office plummet, with daily earnings barely reaching 400 million. In contrast, "The Sixth Sense" fared much better, maintaining a 900 million box office on Monday.

When the theaters checked the numbers, they were shocked to see that "The Sixth Sense" was going to dominate the box office! They absolutely had to increase the number of screenings!

So, without anyone noticing, the number of theaters showing "The Sixth Sense" and the number of screenings gradually increased. With more screenings of "The Sixth Sense," naturally, the number of viewers decreased.

The film being reduced is not "Runaway Bride". Although its daily box office is only half that of "The Sixth Sense", the big-mouthed actress and Richard Gere still have prestige and appeal, so the number of screenings has not been reduced much.

The film that got cut was naturally *The Blair Witch Project*, which also contains horror and thriller elements. You're just the third one, the same type as the first, and audiences leave before you're even halfway through, with many swearing and cursing. Who else should we cut if not you?
905 million, 986 million, 1005 million, 995 million – in just four working days, "The Sixth Sense" garnered another 3891 million at the box office. While this has attracted the attention of some, it's not entirely unusual.

What truly surprised the market was the second weekend box office of "The Sixth Sense": 4104 million!
The normal second weekend box office is actually similar to that of "Runaway Bride", which dropped by 35% compared to the opening weekend, to only 2200 million.

And what about "The Sixth Sense"? It only grossed $25 less than its opening weekend gross of $4129 million!
That drop is less than 1%!

This has left many people in Hollywood completely stunned. What are they trying to do? Are they trying to create a sensation and replicate the success of "Titanic"?
Meanwhile, "The Sixth Sense" grossed $1.21 million in North America after 10 days of release, which is undoubtedly a huge success compared to its production cost of $6000 million!
Taking this opportunity, the publicity team of "The Sixth Sense" naturally did not hesitate to promote it extensively, seizing on the film's good reputation, the shocking plot twist at the end, family affection, Bruce Willis's acting skills, American child stars who can act, and Wu Yuchen's three consecutive films grossing over $100 million in North America.

While newspapers and television broadcasts are giving "The Sixth Sense" rave reviews, all parties are also paying close attention to its box office performance.

On Monday, many people breathed a sigh of relief when they saw "The Sixth Sense" finally drop in box office revenue to 600 million. However, 600 million is actually quite high; didn't you see that "Runaway Bride," the second-place film, didn't even reach 300 million in daily box office?

613 million, 625 million, 602 million, 585 million, and 2425 million over the four days of the week. By the third weekend, The Sixth Sense's box office had only dropped by 23%, taking in 3160 million.

Judging from this momentum, the box office potential remains strong!
At this point, The Sixth Sense's total box office had reached $1.77 million, very close to Cinemascore's initial prediction of $1.8 million in North America. Anyone could see that this was not the end for The Sixth Sense!

On Monday, Cinemascore also raised its predictions for "The Sixth Sense" in its latest report, projecting $2.5 million in North American box office and $5 million worldwide!
This is an unimaginable number for a horror film. Just think, "The Silence of the Lambs" only grossed $1.38 million in North America and $2.73 million worldwide. Yet, it was a horror masterpiece that swept the Oscars!

However, no one thinks Cinemascore's prediction is nonsense now, given the impressive performance of The Sixth Sense.

In the fourth week, the daily box office dropped to around $400 million during the four midweek days, and then reached $2538 million over the three weekend days, pushing the total North American box office to $2.2 million!
A horror film that grossed over $220 million at the North American box office in less than a month has made it known not only in Hollywood but throughout the United States. This box office success has shattered many people's perceptions of horror movies.

Immediately, a large number of reviews and analyses of "The Sixth Sense" emerged, aiming to dissect what makes this film so outstanding:

"Director Wu Yuchen is very clever. In order to tell this story well, he set up the plot step by step from the beginning, built up the atmosphere, and the pace was also progressive, making all the preparations for the final explosion of the ending."

Classic films with a satisfying ending leave a lasting impression. Just when you're eagerly guessing the ending, a shocking moment suddenly arrives: the male lead, the psychiatrist Bruce Willis, who has been gently accompanying you for 100 minutes, is actually already dead!

After experiencing this sudden and unexpected climax, all the details from before will unconsciously surface in your mind, and you'll find that these details and the ending fit together so cleverly. Then you'll look up to the sky and sigh, marveling at having encountered such a masterpiece, savoring the boundless and unique pleasure it brought.

The film's ending elevates its overall message. Compared to jump-scare American horror films, Wu Yuchen actually attempts to explore the unfathomable human psyche; the film truly aims to depict reconciliation between people.

The boy's line in the movie, "They only see what they want to see," doesn't just apply to ghosts, it applies to everyone! Ghosts can't see each other, and so can humans.

We cannot judge "The Sixth Sense" by the standards of horror films, because it not only contains horror, thriller and suspense, but also contains family, love and tolerance and understanding.

Without a doubt, from the father-son relationship in *Frequency*, to the trust and honesty between lovers in *Phone Booth*, and now to this film, *The Sixth Sense*, director Wu Yuchen's portrayal of interpersonal relationships is exquisitely masterful!

(End of this chapter)