By APA Staff
Chinese censors trump Pirates
This week, censors working in the Chinese film bureau worked to effectively block the mainland Chinese release of the Pirates of the Caribbean sequel. Citing violent and supernatural scenes, the censors rejected the film in its first review. Pirates could still make it onto Chinese screens if Disney makes the necessary changes and the film passes a second review. Without a formal rating system, the release of foreign films in China can be arbitrary and at the mercy of the official censors. For the most part, Chinese censors will block films with graphic depictions of violence and sex. But sometimes, the rejection or acceptance can be largely political -- Mission: Impossible III was released in China after similar changes, speculatively because the film was partially shot in Shanghai. Aside from concerns over the content of the films, economics and release scheduling were also said to have a hand in the rejection. The projected August release would have been at a time when many people tend to watch movies. The Chinese film industry, fearing the direct competition of going up against a blockbuster film will often lobby to get “less competitive” release dates for foreign films in order to secure a greater audience for Chinese films. -- Larry Kao
Singaporean Allan Wu new host of Amazing Race
As a general rule of thumb, reality shows in Asia are even more bizarre and incoherent than the ones produced stateside (see: Takeshi's Castle). What's far more rare is for reality show characters in the U.S. to become reality show hosts in Asia. And yet, that's exactly the fate which greets Fear Factor-participant-turned-Amazing-Race-Asia-host Allan Wu. Wu, for those of you non-reality-aficionados, was the one who memorably vomited a melange of maggots, worms, and rotten fish eyes during a particularly gut-wrenching episode of Fear Factor. So what does he have that the other Amazing Race Asia aspirants don't? Apparently an audition where he biked in soaked from head to toe, thus solidifying his reputation as an "action man." -- Chi Tung
Battle Royale -- Youtube.com vs. Japanese Broadcasting...Fight!
In continuing efforts to crack down on what it deems piracy and illegal use of copyrighted material, the Japanese Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) and other national broadcasters have made efforts to prevent and stop the use of their programming on the Youtube.com website. Youtube allows internet users to view video content for free, and has become increasingly popular in Japan with an estimated 200,000+ viewers, according to official figures. With such a rise in popularity, the Japanese broadcasters have issued cease-and-desist warnings to Youtube and have asked that the website take down copyrighted materials. It is uncertain if further actions will be taken in the future as many are still mixed on how to adjust to the rise of Youtube-type websites and web services. -- Larry Kao
Ang Lee's Lust, Caution begins casting
It's been rumored for weeks that for Oscar bait 2007, the Eileen Chang-based Lust, Caution, director Ang Lee wants Tony Leung Chiu-wai (that'd be the Tony In the Mood for Love, not the one in Election) as his male lead. So far, his invitation has been greeted with silence, although that's sure to change once Leung realizes this is Ang Lee we're talking about here. However, the purported favorite for female lead has been announced as actress Liu Yifei, whose credits to date include a few television series adaptations of famed martial arts author Louis Cha. Some speculate that Ang's intent here is to do for Liu what Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon did for then-ingenue Ziyi Zhang. Can a cameo in Rush Hour 3 be far behind? Only Brett Ratner knows... -- Chi Tung
Tokyo International Film Fest expands
The Japanese government has plans to expand the Tokyo International Film Festival to include gaming software, comics, and music. The effort is an attempt to spur and showcase the best of Japanese content creativity. Currently, Japan's content industry makes over $1.19 billion annually, but is expected to grow by 2015 to take in over $1.5 billion. Because of these figures, and Japanese content not limited solely to films, starting this October, the Tokyo International Film Festival will now be a content carnival for all different mediums. -- Larry Kao
Jackie Chan truly is a drunken master
Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan caused a ruckus at a concert by Taiwanese singer-songwriter Jonathan Lee. In the middle of the concert, Chan got on stage and insisted on singing a duet with Lee while trying to conduct the accompanying orchestra. After the uniqueness of the situation dragged on and awkwardness set in, the audience began to heckle and verbally berate Chan, who fired back with his own insults. Chan was unavailable for further comments on the incident. -- Larry Kao
Shahrukh Khan calls it quits?
You haven't seen charisma personified until your first Shahrukh Khan experience. Let's just hope that his next film -- the surefire blockbuster-to-be Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, directed by Bollywood veteran Karan Johar -- won't be his (or our) last. But that's looking more and more likely, at least according to those who think they -- and not his rabid fans, of which there are many -- know him best. That's right -- Bollywood's biggest and most magnetic star may be soon retiring from the big screen, due to the incessant rumors of his unforgivable chain-smoking habits. Ok, not really, but it's all speculation at this point -- perhaps the well-documented strain in his relationship with former confidante/collaborator Yash Chopra has begun to take its toll. Or maybe his back troubles are more serious than previously thought. Or maybe he's simply tired of playing characters that are so darn likable and electric. Whatever the case may be -- if it is indeed true, expect mourning all over India (and in the heart of this writer) to ensue. -- Chi Tung