Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by EBerlin (A) on December 09, 2005 at 20:07:18

In Reply to: Name a Japanese actress ? Now name a Chinese one- duh! posted by EdM on December 9, 2005 at 07:57:53:

...I think a list of the names of great films from Japan would be a lot longer than the list of great films from China. This has much to do with the state-run arts industry that prevailed for many years under "communism," and under which a true, unencumbered cinematic tradition could hardly grow in an organic fashion. So if nothing else, I believe the Japanese film tradition is both wider and deeper than the Chinese.

Someone with more detailed knowledge of the history of Chinese film might confirm or deny this contention, which I believe to be the case.

It's hard to believe that for this film its fortunes as a commercial enterprise were much based by the producers on the presence of these actresses. It's true they're better known here than Japanese actresses because an important group of pretty contemporary Chinese films have featured them. But one can't say they have box office clout here. The situation is such that the best way to sell this movie to an American audience is through great reviews, something this film has not garnered.
eb