Kaohsiung Second-run Cinema to be Closed After 33 Years|不敵時代潮流 高雄33年二輪戲院吹熄燈號

One of the only two cinemas in Kaohsiung City that show second-run movies, He Chun Movie Cinema, has suddenly announced that it couldn't maintain its operation after reporting losses for many years, and will close its doors on April 15. The cinema has been in business for 33 years and many loyal patrons are having a hard time seeing it go.


He Chun Movie Cinema is an old cinema in Kaohsiung City. It's been operating in an old building for 33 years, and its showrooms are still all named in a traditional manner, using Chinese characters such as "gold", "silver", "dragon" and "phoenix". In the early days, moviegoers could watch two films for the low price of NT$ 60, and now members can still watch two films for NT$ 80. The owner suddenly announced on Facebook that the theatre will only operate until April 15. Many who have pre-ordered tickets have begun to return their tickets, and they have a hard time seeing it go.

I'm devastated (After it closes its doors) I can no longer watch two movies for NT$ 80.

Some of the cinema's frequent customers would come and watch one or two movies every month, starting since they were students. There are only two cinemas left in Kaohsiung that play second-run movies, and He Chun Movie offers the lowest ticket price. Students used to make up the bulk of its customer base. However, the manager says that he had begun to see a clear decline in business three years ago, and in recent months, the customers only filled 40 percent of the seats.

The proliferation of internet (media content), the declining birthrate, and the overall stagnant economy leaves little room for cinemas that play second-run movies.

The manager believes the total movie watching population has not dwindled, but the low birthrate and the students increasing interest in watching first run movies make it increasingly difficult for cinemas that show second-runs to survive. Many nearby vendors also rely on the cinema for their businesses, some even offer discount for the cinema's membership holders. The latest change will certainly impact their businesses as well.

Although the ticket price is really affordable, but (media content) on the internet is getting increasingly popular, and people are shifting their attention to the internet. That makes a clear difference.

The vendors have also felt a clear decline in the number of customers in recent years. They are not surprised by the cinema closing its doors. Many are prepared to close their own shops as well if business keeps declining in the future.