The power of the Japan market for Hollywood films was amply demonstrated last weekend as “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” propelled itself back into the No. 1 position at the international box office on the strength of its debut there.
“Narnia,” which began its international campaign almost three months ago, bowed Saturday in Japan for a weekend box office estimate of $9.2 million (5.2 million pounds), more than the comparable gross of any other overseas entry. To date, the family fantasy has earned $389 million.