From Chinese Press

Time filmmakers learnt a lesson

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-06-02 10:00

Several artists and scholars have given a call to boycott Hollywood movie Kung Fu Panda 2, saying it is a cultural invasion. Chinese directors and scriptwriters should improve the quality of their own films, instead of accusing outsiders of invading Chinese culture, says an article in Changjiang Daily. Excerpts:

Kung Fu Panda 2 has been a big hit with the audience. Such was the craze that it generated that it became difficult to get a ticket to its screening in some cities.

But several artists and scholars have said the movie is an invasion on Chinese culture and appealed to people to boycott it.

The Hollywood production, for sure, uses Chinese cultural symbols and has grabbed a large part of the Chinese market.

But we should not politicize the film by calling it a "cultural invasion". Instead, it is important that we discuss with a cool mind why a Hollywood film can take such large a share of the Chinese film market.

It is unfair to blame Hollywood for the faults of Chinese film corporations.

It is the profound philosophy and simple value that Kung Fu Panda 2 carries that have made the film a big draw with the audience. The hero's eagerness to fight for justice, his optimistic attitude toward life and the way the story evolves are wonderful traits and have been welcomed by the people.

Chinese filmmakers should learn from these qualities how to tell a story, instead of blaming Hollywood for impeding on Chinese culture.

There is no point blaming Hollywood film corporations of trying to take advantage of Chinese culture to make money, because only by improving our own skills and execution can we truly promote China's soft power.