The new sci-fi film Life, about six astronauts' space nightmare, takes the second slot of the box-office charts in its opening weekend in China thanks to the film's theme as well as its star-studded cast. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Another feature of the film is that unlike most Hollywood blockbusters that see good triumphing over evil, the movie has a dark twist, which has received mixed reactions from Chinese viewers.

On the reviewing site Douban, a barometer of popularity, the movie received 6.7 points out of 10.

While many viewers hailed the end, some saw it as confusing.

But for industry watchers, one of the biggest surprises is that the film saw not cuts, which is seen as a signal of the Chinese authorities opening up to diverse genres.

Meanwhile, a possible rise in the number of imported films into China from 38 annually is ringing alarm bells.

According to the Beijing-based film industry watcher Jiang Yong: "If locals get used to seeing medium-budget Hollywood movies such as Life, domestic filmmakers will face big challenges and have less space to survive."

Jiang says that already has occurred in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

So, he says, Chinese filmmakers should learn from Hollywood how to use a limited budget to make quality content.

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