The Biblical feature film Noah is off to a strong box office start in South Korea. The film took in over $1 million on Thursday, this was the top opening-day gross for 2014 in South Korea.

South Korea is the first market to open Darren Aronofsky's Noah, The Hollywood Reporter added.

The only other film to open with such strong numbers in South Korea was Gravity which earned similar box office numbers. Before that Christopher Nolan's Inception had the box office record bringing in over $950,000 on its first day.

Noah has been making headlines around the world due to the films content. The movie is banned in some countries in the Middle East. A meeting with the Pope also took over headlines this week before the movie has a wide release. Members of the film were able to meet with the Pope for a moment. He blessed the film but would not watch it, The Huffington Post added.

Noah stars Russell Crowe, Emma Watson and Jennifer Connelly. The big budget film was produced by Paramount and New Regency.

image: Paramount