A commentary from Guangming Daily about a scandal brewing, yet again, around big-wig filmmaker Chen Kaige. Translated by CDT:
Chen Kaige, who got burned after his film crew polluted the environment, has just started shooting his new film, “Mei Lanfang (Ê¢ÖÂÖ∞Ëä≥).” (the Peking Opera equivalent of Pavarotti) for which he has been given unprecedented access to some of the Forbidden City’s most forbidden corners.
“Mei Lanfang,” the movie, will be significant in showcasing to the world essential elements of Chinese culture (ÂõΩÁ≤πÊñáÂåñ), such as the Forbidden City itself and Peking Opera, the Forbidden City management said. Thus the green light. But is this reason so persuasive? Is any film this important? There are millions of movies, TV dramas and activities that promote Chinese culture. Why haven’t any of these promoters been given a chance to film the Palace as Chen has?
…Given his scandalous track record polluting the local environment while shooting “The Promise” (Êó†ÊûÅ), people, especially netizens, have become embroiled in another hot debate over Chen. Some called for Chen to be driven out. This time, though, Chen’s crew have learned their lesson. They’ve hired security staff to just make sure none of the relics are damaged during filming. [Full Text in Chinese]
[Image: Chen directing the film at the Forbidden City, via sina.com.cn]
