James Cameron’s Avatar has reportedly broken major box office records by earning 500 million yuan ($73.2 million) in just two weeks. While you might be scratching your head over why it took them so long to get these figures in, understand that China had to wait two weeks after the movie opened in most theaters internationally. Having seen the film, I have to say, China…that’s two weeks too long. That’s how good it is. Aside from being good, there’s another reason that’s driving Avatar’s box office sales.

According to ChinaSmack.com, Chinese netizens are reading more into the Avatar story than necessary. Without spoiling much, the basic story of Avatar is that the US government is using force on a group of people living on coveted land. Netizens claim that Avatar is the story of local Chinese governments using violence to forcefully evict residents from their homes. Translated netizen comments found here reveal that Avatar is definitely a movie that has stirred emotions and bunched many panties.

I find it really interesting that although the basic Avatar story isn’t anything new or unheard of in film or history, it’s capable to evoke so much emotion and drive people to oh, I don’t know…camp out and wait in long lines:

If that doesn’t convince you, watch how long lines can get from this video:

I enjoyed Avatar so much that if I was in China, I’d say that it’s worth the hassle.

Question for you guys: Did you watch it? Thoughts?