Hong Kong elements in 'Transformers 4' win over local audiences

A model of the Transformers character Bumblebee is displayed in front of Qianmen Gate in central Beijing, June 20, 2014. The replica is part of a promotional campaign ahead of the world premiere of the movie "Transformers: Age of Extinction" on June 27 around the globe. [Photo/Agencies]

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Meanwhile, the big-budget film also became a heat topic on some of the major local internet forums. User ID "jj1069" said, "The movie is definitely a must-see as the foreign production crew made all the way to Hong Kong to shoot the most explosive scenes, and the global premiere was also held here."

Netizen "pkric" also said, "Using Hong Kong as the backdrop for this blockbuster movie makes me feel thrilled!"

The outstanding box office performance also boosted the hot sales of the movie-related products. The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, which was given heavy exposure in the film, specifically launched the "Transformers" toys to meet the market.

The toy models were all displayed at the most visible places near the store entrance, and the large stickers of giant robots battling on the shopping window created a stereoscopic vision.

The success of "Transformers 4" in Hong Kong can be traced back to its cultural influence on Hong Kong people starting from the 1980s, local film critics Lebender told Xinhua.

The related toys, comics and animation have already been a pop culture among young people and lasted for a long time, while the special effects in the movie helped realize many things that people could only imagine before, Lebender said.

He also believes the Hong Kong elements in "Transformers 4" propped up the box office in the city in a positive way.

"The Hollywood movie producers are increasingly experimenting with Hong Kong and the mainland elements. It shows they are paying more and more attention to the Chinese market."