LOS ANGELES, Sept 23 — The feature claimed the top position in the global box office ranking this week, bringing in $22.3 million (RM 114.5 million) over the weekend, according to data from Rentrak.

Set in the 15^th century, “The Face Reader” (“Gwansang” in its home country) is headlined by Song Kang-ho (“The Host,” “Snowpiercer”) in the role of a man capable of divining others’ intentions through their expressions.

Since its theatrical release on Sept 11, the film has taken in total revenues of US$39.4 million in South Korea alone.

The Korean thriller brought in just slightly more than “Prisoners,” in second place in the global box office.

The crime drama starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal brought in US$21.93 million over its first weekend in theatres in four territories.

International release dates have not yet been announced for the South Korean film 'The Face Reader.' — AFP pic

Directed by the Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, the film, which explores the lengths a father will go to to protect his daughter, dominated the North American box office, with US$21.43 million in revenues from its home territory.

“Insidious: Chapter 2,” which dominated the ranking last week, is now in third place. The horror film, directed by James Wan and in theatres across nine territories, saw US$18 million in revenues worldwide up to Sept 22. — AFP-Relaxnews