"The Promise" US rights picked up by Warner

Chinese blockbuster "The Promise" starring Hiroyuki Sanada and Korea's Jang Dong-kun was marketed at EFM held alongside with Berlin Film Festival, and Warner Independent takes up it distribution rights in the U.S., according to IndieWIRE.  KFC Cinema reports that it is understood that they will show 102 min. shorter version in the U.S., and the release is scheduled in May.  The film's rights was originally acquired by The Weinstein Co. last May, but they returned it right before the scheduled release in December.

Source:  IndieWIRE, KFC Cinema

In Japan, "The Promise" opens today at 273 screens.  Hochi reports that its first day is well attended, although there was no "first day stage appearance" by the major actors and staff that is customary for hogas.