Yeah, I’ve purchased some of those, too. I remember my copy of Basic Instinct had some blurry private parts. And Sharon Stone’s famous uncrossing and crossing of her legs was totally cut. But I’m not sure who to blame in these cases. Could be that they just copied a censored DVD from the States.
Hello Dan,
“This type of censorship would never happen in America” —- I agree, but censor for marketing reason does happen, as Miramax is called by many American film buff ‘MiramAxe’.
Also may I make a point that a nation with nasty censors can actually be the one who makes artistically superior films? It’s certainly the case with Soviet cinema. Contemporary Iranian cinema is another case. Contemporary Chinese cinema is no exception. If you are interested in the topic, we can discuss it later in details. By the way, most part of Kill Bill volume one was shot in Beijing Studio with a Chinese crew.
Marketing mentality has done more harm to the art of cinema than political censorship, believe me.
The etiquette issue you mentioned is undisputable. But one thing you shall understand is China is nowhere near a true civil society in which mutual respect is a basic rule. The demo*cracy is essential for a civil society. You won’t find much etiquette in Shanghai’s bars, subways, theatres or other public space where there is a half-educated, smalltownish crowd. If you have the oppotunity, try a backpack cross-country trip or try to read contemporary China with a historical perspective.
When I wrote “This type of censorship would never happen in America,” my tongue was planted firmly in my cheek. We definitely have our own forms of censorship in America.
It’s interesting that although Kill Bill was made in China, it is likely too violent to appear in Chinese theaters.
And a cross-country trip? Funny you should mention that: Check out my plans.
Dan
On Jun 29, 2004 7:35 PM, Tommy said:
Hello Dan,
I can totally understand that going to the movies in China can be very annoying for Western people who are there for the sake of watching a movie. Chinese people go to the movies mainly for socializing and that’s the way how it is in China. It is accepted in the society and is not considered rude behavior.
Oh Dan, I feel your pain! I knew what it was like growing up in Singapore so I remember the censorship quite well. All the good parts in movies always got the snip!
Like you, I now catch the earliest screening of the day usually at 10am, to avoid the crowds, if I go to the movies at all. Anyway, good luck on your trip this summer. Post lots of photos.
On Jul 1, 2004 1:15 PM, Mica said:
well um, I just thought about it the other day. I don’t think China has a rating system for movies or TV programs. I believe Troy and Cold Mountains are R-rated, but since China don’t limit the age of viewers, they cut all the rated scenes to fit the whole public, which is not fair for adult audiences, however it’s understandable. I’ve been to cinema before only with my school mates, u know, kinda like field trip, and i think the situation is a lot better in this case. We don’ usually talk during the show, and we are there to enjoy the show. I guess it’s not that convenience to watch a movie in China. By the way, I just watched Fahrenheit 9/11, just a good movie. I loved it!!! I hope you can get it in Shanghai soon.
On Jul 11, 2004 10:57 PM, Mark said:
get used to those movie theaters , u are in China , if u don’t like here , u can just pack your bag and go back !!!u don’t have to stay here for $, do u ?
On Jul 23, 2004 5:37 PM, getreal said:
“When in China, do what the Chinese do”
Sorry, I don’t agree. Dan, I can feel how you have to put up with that. But let’s just face it China is still a country under development. You can’t expect people to change their etiquette over a night with over 80 million illiteracy, meanwhilem, education is the biggest failure of the country. That’s why I seldom go to cinemas but rather watch dvd on my own. I have friends who like to talk, make noises and have their cell phone on in the cinma, if they don’t accept my criticism, I just don’t go to movies with them anymore. Hopefully this phenomena can be changed someday.
and the censorship, o man, who likes them.
On Oct 17, 2004 1:43 PM, Max said:
The chinese version of “love actually” cut out two characters entirely. The couple that meet on the set of a porn movie aren’t in the movie at all.
On Dec 6, 2004 2:24 PM, Tea said:
Give me a break. Getreal. What do you mean “development”? KFC modified chickens? Starbucks’ close-to-poison coffee? …or George W. Bush?
Why is there only one way to enjoy movies?
On Dec 6, 2004 4:59 PM, Getreal said:
Tea,
Do you think China is a developed city just because it has KFC and McDonald outlets every where? Take a look at rural areas of China.
Even if the government propaganda has been touting “international cities” and all that, it still takes a long time for China to catch up.
13 Comments
Actually, I’ve come across DVDs censored just as clumsily as that film, ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being’ being a notable one.
Yeah, I’ve purchased some of those, too. I remember my copy of Basic Instinct had some blurry private parts. And Sharon Stone’s famous uncrossing and crossing of her legs was totally cut. But I’m not sure who to blame in these cases. Could be that they just copied a censored DVD from the States.
Hello Dan,
“This type of censorship would never happen in America” —- I agree, but censor for marketing reason does happen, as Miramax is called by many American film buff ‘MiramAxe’.
Also may I make a point that a nation with nasty censors can actually be the one who makes artistically superior films? It’s certainly the case with Soviet cinema. Contemporary Iranian cinema is another case. Contemporary Chinese cinema is no exception. If you are interested in the topic, we can discuss it later in details. By the way, most part of Kill Bill volume one was shot in Beijing Studio with a Chinese crew.
Marketing mentality has done more harm to the art of cinema than political censorship, believe me.
The etiquette issue you mentioned is undisputable. But one thing you shall understand is China is nowhere near a true civil society in which mutual respect is a basic rule. The demo*cracy is essential for a civil society. You won’t find much etiquette in Shanghai’s bars, subways, theatres or other public space where there is a half-educated, smalltownish crowd. If you have the oppotunity, try a backpack cross-country trip or try to read contemporary China with a historical perspective.
Fan,
When I wrote “This type of censorship would never happen in America,” my tongue was planted firmly in my cheek. We definitely have our own forms of censorship in America.
It’s interesting that although Kill Bill was made in China, it is likely too violent to appear in Chinese theaters.
And a cross-country trip? Funny you should mention that: Check out my plans.
Dan
Hello Dan,
I can totally understand that going to the movies in China can be very annoying for Western people who are there for the sake of watching a movie. Chinese people go to the movies mainly for socializing and that’s the way how it is in China. It is accepted in the society and is not considered rude behavior.
It’s just the matter of cultural difference.
When in China, do what the Chinese do.
Good luck to your trip.
Tommy
“when in China, do what the Chinese do?”
Christ… don’t get me started.
Oh Dan, I feel your pain! I knew what it was like growing up in Singapore so I remember the censorship quite well. All the good parts in movies always got the snip!
Like you, I now catch the earliest screening of the day usually at 10am, to avoid the crowds, if I go to the movies at all. Anyway, good luck on your trip this summer. Post lots of photos.
well um, I just thought about it the other day. I don’t think China has a rating system for movies or TV programs. I believe Troy and Cold Mountains are R-rated, but since China don’t limit the age of viewers, they cut all the rated scenes to fit the whole public, which is not fair for adult audiences, however it’s understandable. I’ve been to cinema before only with my school mates, u know, kinda like field trip, and i think the situation is a lot better in this case. We don’ usually talk during the show, and we are there to enjoy the show. I guess it’s not that convenience to watch a movie in China. By the way, I just watched Fahrenheit 9/11, just a good movie. I loved it!!! I hope you can get it in Shanghai soon.
get used to those movie theaters , u are in China , if u don’t like here , u can just pack your bag and go back !!!u don’t have to stay here for $, do u ?
“When in China, do what the Chinese do”
Sorry, I don’t agree. Dan, I can feel how you have to put up with that. But let’s just face it China is still a country under development. You can’t expect people to change their etiquette over a night with over 80 million illiteracy, meanwhilem, education is the biggest failure of the country. That’s why I seldom go to cinemas but rather watch dvd on my own. I have friends who like to talk, make noises and have their cell phone on in the cinma, if they don’t accept my criticism, I just don’t go to movies with them anymore. Hopefully this phenomena can be changed someday.
and the censorship, o man, who likes them.
The chinese version of “love actually” cut out two characters entirely. The couple that meet on the set of a porn movie aren’t in the movie at all.
Give me a break. Getreal. What do you mean “development”? KFC modified chickens? Starbucks’ close-to-poison coffee? …or George W. Bush?
Why is there only one way to enjoy movies?
Tea,
Do you think China is a developed city just because it has KFC and McDonald outlets every where? Take a look at rural areas of China.
Even if the government propaganda has been touting “international cities” and all that, it still takes a long time for China to catch up.