MovieChat Forums > Qing hong (2005) Discussion > I love the contraversy!

I love the contraversy!

posted 17 years ago by luther-driggers
2 replies | jump to latest

I haven't watched this yet, but having seen whats posted here - the arguments, the flames, the fights - I think this is more than enough reason to watch it! I notice that some chinese people are not as keen on it as westerners, might somebody comment on why that is? It was mentioned that to a Chinese, the story is well known and thus it might be less exotic to them and they might be more critical of it.

FYI, I'm stealing it, however, I would prefer to rent it, does anyone know if this is available in Canada?

[–] AssetsonFire 15 years ago

I wondered about the exoticism. I personally found the location and the town quite attractive in a rusticated kind of way, but clearly it was meant to be a dreary, dead-end place. I suspect the reason for Chinese not liking it though is because it's not exactly flattering towards either the Communist party or Chinese society (families constantly bickering within and between themselves leading to probably avoidable consequences).

I know you are, you said you are, but what am I?

[–] Kitty_Heart 14 years ago

I'll agree on the exoticism. Knowing very little about China when it's such an enormous and prominent country is a potent mix for me, and I find it quite fascinating. The film felt like a slightly grimy window into a slice of the country, albeit a depressive and bleak slice. I feel it showed me life there quite powerfully, although I'm hardly informed to judge its accuracy.

However, whilst the scenery was spectacular I found the town unattractive and a little intimidating. It's hardly a showcase city for China and I suppose, as you say, this probably contributes to the more favourable reception. I mean, I wouldn't like a film which showcased Hull and everything grim about it to be an artistic ambassador for my country at Cannes, a societal and cultural pinnacle.

I'm amused at how slow this forum is! Aging like a good wine, I hope