International train inspires new 'Lost' blockbuster

For train travel enthusiasts, the international train K3 – which goes from Beijing to Moscow via Ulan Bator – could provide an epic journey with scenic views.

Recently, director-actor Xu Zheng revealed the train ride -- which takes six days, five nights to travel over 7,800 kilometers -- inspired his upcoming film Lost in Russia.

As the third installment of the blockbuster franchise Lost In, the new tale is about a businessman's comedic journey to travel with his estranged mother to Russia. In a trip full of surprises, the protagonist experiences a string of accidents, including rescuing his mother from wild bears as well as being hung out of the running train under extremely cold weather.

The film has recently announced it will create an Imax version that will be released on 660 Imax screens when it hits domestic theaters on Jan 25, the first day of the 2020 Spring Festival.

Huang Meiying, a Shanghai native born in 1950, plays the mother of Xu's character, and Yuan Quan, recently known for the disaster blockbuster The Captain, stars as the wife of Xu's role.

Xu said at a recent promotional event that he wishes the movie will prompt thoughts about mother-son relationships, as he believes "how you get along with your mother decides how you get along with other people in your life and career".