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September 26, 2006
OLD CHINA OR NEW CHINA TO THE OSCARS?
So what China will go to the Oscars this year? My money is on Old Timey Time China with CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER doing a qualifying run in Beijing as you read this, and with Zhang Yimou, Gong Li and Chow Yun-fat attached since they're all easy-to-recognize names.
THE BANQUET could be the other movie since it's just played the major festivals, stars Zhang Ziyi and is based on HAMLET, another easily-recognized name.
But the previously-mentioned racy movie, CURIOSITY KILLS THE CAT, starring Carina Lau, is making a bid for being China's Oscar submission for Best Foreign Film and it's set in Modern Fast Zippy China. Telling the story of weird events occuring in a luxury apartment building the movie has submitted its application to be a nominee to SARFT and it might carry the day. Apparently, SARFT officials are getting worried that Academy voters are sick of Old Timey Time China.
(Read more over on 24 Frames per Second)
September 26, 2006 at 09:19 AM in News | Permalink
Comments
I really do hope that they go with a film set in modern times. I totally agree that the world has had enough of period films out of China (although i personally enjoy them bc I appreciate them). and The Promise has tainted the pool. Time for a change. There are certainly quality modern times films, aren't there? I've heard Summer Palace being mentioned as a better contender than The Banquet (and Curse).
Posted by: movieluver | Sep 26, 2006 9:49:53 AM
I doubt the SARFT will nominate Summer Palace, seeing how they banned it and all.
Posted by: Bob Violence | Sep 26, 2006 7:49:25 PM
Japan submitted a series of period pictures to the Oscars and other festivals back in the 50's and 60's.
With their long and fascinating history, why shouldn't China produce their own ancient period films? It's a welcome change of pace from the never-ending HK chop-sockee and gangster genres.
Posted by: oj | Oct 2, 2006 2:56:54 AM
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