During a recent episode of the C6 program “Today’s Film Review,” the film “Biaoren,” internationally titled “The Blade of Guardians,” was highlighted for its substantial production scale. The project reportedly carries a budget of approximately RMB 700 million, positioning it among the higher-investment productions in the contemporary Chinese film market. The film is adapted from a well-known manga of the same name and centers on the martial world of professional escorts, or “biaoren.”
In the film industry, a commonly referenced financial benchmark suggests that a movie typically needs to generate box office revenue roughly three times its production cost to break even. This calculation accounts for revenue-sharing with cinemas, marketing and distribution expenses, and various operational costs. Based on this industry guideline, “The Blade of Guardians” would need to achieve an estimated RMB 2.1 billion at the box office to reach its theoretical break-even threshold.
It is important to note that the “three-times rule” serves only as a general industry reference rather than a strict formula. A film’s final profitability may also be influenced by overseas distribution rights, streaming platform licensing agreements, merchandising, and brand partnerships. Additionally, the scale of promotional spending plays a significant role in shaping the overall cost structure.
If the RMB 2.1 billion figure is considered a benchmark target, the film will face considerable commercial pressure. Although China’s box office market has shown steady recovery in recent years, only a limited number of films surpass the RMB 2 billion milestone annually. For a production of this scale, narrative strength, release timing, and audience reception will ultimately determine its financial outcome.
With its sizable budget and adaptation pedigree, “The Blade of Guardians” signals notable industrial ambition. Whether it can convert that investment into substantial box office returns will become clear only after its official theatrical release.
