Act two, take one: Banned filmmaker directs Beijing Opening Night spectacle

Friday, August 08, 2008

Renegade filmmaker Zhang Yimou ("Hero," "The Road Home," "Shanghai Triad," "To Live," "Ju Dou") is the mastermind behind Beijing’s Opening Night’s ceremonies. His films, which often showcased China’s ugly side to the outside world, were banned by the Chinese government and seldom seen by his fellow countrymen. Tonight’s ceremonies symbolize the conversion of Mr. Zhang, from a censored filmmaker to one of China’s most celebrated artists.

Guest: David Barboza, New York Times reporter

Comments [1]

Karen

I'm now watching the ceremonies. It is 9:28pm. Can someone give me a logical reason WHY I should be watching a COMMERICAL!!!! in the middle of the March of the Nations.
Why do I need to see a commerical in the middle of the presentations. Why isn't Connie Chung or Lisa Liang is translating the Chinese commentator in order to follow what is being said!!!

Well, China the Sleeping Dragon has awaken. It is slowly shaking its wings out and is going through a painful evolution. China has brought home its renegade filmmaker Zhang Yimou to present an honorable face to its guests. Zhang Yimou knows and understands these guests who better to have direct the opening cermonies.

I understand about the political reasons why people are furious about the Games being in China. We in the West have our sins in these areas to admit to epecially in recent times.

Aug. 08 2008 10:09 PM

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