Bridget Jones's Diary has attracted a massive 872,000 admissions in France in its first five days and should reach the one million admissions mark in its first week.

The Working Title film, distributed in France by StudioCanal's affiliate Mars Films (which scored a hit last year with another British title, Billy Elliott), was among the ten best openers this year. With over 185,000 tickets sold on its first day (Oct 10), the Renee Zellweger-starrer ranks ninth, right behind such titles as Tomb Raider and Rush Hour 2. The title was strongest in Paris, where it scored a 44% market share and ranked fourth on its opening day.

Not including France or the US, Bridget has now reached $157.6m at the international box office, thanks in no small part to its UK take of $59.7m.

Meanwhile in the UK, French favourite Amelie is doing equally impressive business - at least comparatively. While Bridget has the benefit of a major national campaign and a print run of 620 on release, Amelie's modest 80-screen UK release has seen it amass $2m in its first 10 days.