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The Banquet Fails To Impress Mainland Critics
Beijing (AFP) Sep 11, 2006 The new film by emerging Chinese director Feng Xiaogang, "The Banquet," took a beating from critics Monday following a series of closed screenings around the country. Although the film boasts the star power of leading ladies Zhang Ziyi and Zhou Xun, many critics lamented the casting of comedian Ge You in the lead male role of the historic tragedy and urged Feng to remain in the comedy genre where he made his mark. "Feng Xiaogang is said to be a skilled storyteller but this time in 'The Banquet' he does not play to his strength," the Beijing Youth Daily said. "Some viewers felt the story was too empty and unlike Feng's earlier films that were so full and rich." The film, which opens to the public in China and Asia on Friday, is loosely based on Shakespeare's Hamlet but set amid the intrigue and back-stabbing of an ancient Chinese imperial court. "As the content is not strange to China, it is not likely to produce much praise or excitement from the audience," the newspaper said. For Feng, who is known for his black comedies "Cell Phone" and "Big Shot's Funeral" -- both domestic hits -- "The Banquet" is a stark departure from his previous films and was expected to catapult him into the forefront of Chinese film making alongside noted directors Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige. Besides a reported budget of 20 million dollars, the film also boasts Oscar-winning designer Tim Yip, action choreographer Yuen Wo-Ping and composer Tan Dun. All three worked on the Oscar winning martial arts epic "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" by Taiwanese director Ang Lee. The film, which was shown out of competition at the Venice Film Festival last week, was largely panned for lacking a strong Chinese feeling, reports said, despite winning high marks for costumes, set designs and cinematography. Critics complained that the dialogue was stilted and awkward as the actors mouth modern phrases that don't fit the movie's ancient setting. "Ge is the biggest victim of this poor script," the China Daily said. "If the great actor becomes a running joke in some viewer's eyes, Feng, as an experienced comedy director and Ge's old partner, should shoulder most of the responsibility." Other reviews lamented that the pace of the film was too slow, with most of the martial arts fight scenes coming at the end when the tragedy reaches a bloody climax.
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Tibet, Tourism And Religions
Lhasa, China (UPI) Sep 07, 2006After nearly a month in China, it became apparent the perception of how Beijing treats both ethnic minorities and religions is on the mind of China's leaders as it prepares for the influx of visitors for the 2008 Olympics in the capital. |
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