By Michael Knapp, ESL professor at Remnin University   

The American-based media outlet, Fiscal Times, had posted an article on June 10 entitled, the "Warcraft" Movie is the Next Troubling Step in the Evolution of Hollywood." Warcraft had only raked in $US25 million on its opening weekend in the USA, but had grossed over $121 million on its first night in China.

The New York Daily News quoted Chinese actor Jackie Chen as saying that the success of Warcraft in China "scared Americans." For those who idolize the American cinema industry, this comes as terrifying news.

Yet, should Americans get scared? Some Americans are arrogant enough to assume that; but in today's globalized economy, success can come from anywhere in the world. For nearly a decade, the US economy has tanked. Instead of blaming foreign imports, maybe it's time to show gratitude for how China's prosperity has benefited the world.

Despite Warcraft's disappointing figures in the US box office, loyal Chinese Warcraft fans had rescued the Hollywood film studio, Universal Pictures, from an epic financial loss. Ticket sales in Chinese cinemas have contributed to the success of many Hollywood films in recent years.

While US Presidential candidates have criticize the economic impact of Chinese imports in order to secure more voters, they neglect to mention on China's contribution to the US economy with outstanding Chinese movie ticket sales.

Furious 7, had grossed nearly two-and-a-half billion RMB, and Captain America: Civil War, brought in more than 600 million Yuan during its debut weekend in Chinese cinemas. Yes, China limits the number of Hollywood movies screened here, since Beijing favors family-friendly films.

As parents before taking our children to the cinema or letting them watch a show online, we should check the movie's reviews.  For instance, the movie Zootopia, which had grossed more than one and a half billion RMB in China had received positive reviews from the website, Plugged In.

And meanwhile despite Warcraft having some violent content, it still rated as ‘family-friendly.’ Accordingly, Plugged In movie reviews do confirm that China makes prudent selections on which movies can enter the market here. 

With widespread internet access, the Chinese can watch virtually every movie ever made. However, having access does not mean watching all films would be a wise move. Many Chinese ESL (English as a Second Language) students say that watching Hollywood films helps them improve English skills.

Nevertheless, they should be cautioned, "Hollywood is not a good way to learn about American culture." For many who have never visited the country, the film industry remains their only window to view American culture. Unfortunately, Hollywood does not accurately portray the real lives of regular Americans.

Many Hollywood films depict the "good" guy character as the one who is likely to run away from the cops, while shootouts seem everyday occurrences. Additionally, wild sex parties are portrayed as routine activities for all Americans.

Those who receive their education on American culture from Hollywood movies are shocked to learn later that most Americans do not act as criminal thugs or sex-crazed individuals. Many Americans prefer to wait to have sex until after they get married, and many Americans do not look like Hollywood superstars - Tom Cruise or Jessica Alba.

While some Chinese continue think Hollywood movies represent real life and culture of the US; most Americans go to the cinema to escape the monotony of their daily lives. If movies do represent real life, why would they spend ten bucks to go to the cinema if they could just watch their neighbors instead, free-of-charge?

Not only is Warcraft's popularity in the Middle Kingdom a reminder that the American film industry's success may to some extent depend on China's prosperity, it also demonstrates that China's film industry could surpass Hollywood's success.

Although Warcraft is a big hit in China, its success is dwarfed by the Chinese-made films The Mermaid (美人魚) and Monster Hunt (捉妖記) which had grossed over 3.39 billion RMB and 2.44 billion RMB, respectively.

Whether people are watching Hollywood movies to improve their English, or just because they enjoy American movies, the success of China's film industry holds the potential for creating a game-changing shift in language studies and movie watching. English is the language of the world, while China continues to produce high quality movies that can enhance the Chinese language skills of global citizens.

( The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Panview or CCTV.com. )

Panview offers an alternative angle on China and the rest of the world through the analyses and opinions of experts. We also welcome outside submissions, so feel free to send in your own editorials to "globalopinion@vip.cntv.cn" for consideration.