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NEWS ITEMS March 2007
March 31: Richard Spencer interviewed Gong Li earlier this month during a break from the CPPCC meetings. Spencer's article is published in the Telegraph magazine (UK) today. Excerpt: "We had arranged to meet at the Beijing West Station Railway Hotel... it has a cafe where, she says, we can talk. But it also has doormen who say that I do not have the right pass. So, China's most glittering celebrity is now standing in the cold of a Beijing March day because a 20-year-old in a commissionaire's outfit has shut the door in her face. What is so wonderful about this experience is Gong's response: no trace of irritation, not even with the 15 minutes it takes after we eventually get into the lobby for 'procedures' to be completed. Passers-by and even the duty policeman, seeing her trapped between the entrance and the metal detector, approach to have their photographs taken with her, and she grants every request without hesitation." Read the article March 30: Has the release date for the "Hannibal Rising" Region 1 DVD been moved up one week? DavisDvd.com is reporting a May 29 release date. "Available with an anamorphic widescreen transfer and Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks, extras include an audio commentary with director Peter Webber and producer Martha De Laurentiis, five deleted scenes, 'Hannibal Lecter: The Origin of Evil' and 'Allan Starski: Designing Horror and Elegance' featurettes and trailers." (Thanks, Cocoa) Mike Clark of USA Today rates the "Curse of the Golden Flower" R1 DVD 3 1/2 stars: "Director Zhang Yimou and Gong Li (onetime squeezes) teamed seven other times through 1995's 'Shanghai Triad'. Their reunion should work for you either as court intrigue with all-out battle scenes - or as the loopiest action opera from any country in a long time. It's also one of the past movie year's most scintillating photographic achievements, though, alas, only its costume design earned an Oscar nomination. Extras, extras: Minor promo/featurette; a glance at the L.A. premiere." March 29: "Believe it or Not" update -- From Variety: it "is back on track, with Carrey and director Tim Burton aboard again. Paramount decided to resurrect the project and hired scribe Steve Oedekerk to rewrite the script. Oedekerk's take is due to be delivered in the next couple of weeks." Gong Li's name appeared on the production company's site several months ago: "AEI has sold, and is producing: ...Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Jim Carrey and Gong-Li starring, Tim Burton directing". An official announcement has not been made, however, as to whether or not she is still attached. More comments stemming from the release of the "Curse of the Golden Flower" R1 DVD this week… From The Deseret News: "The first half of this epic Chinese melodrama is a terrific showcase for Gong Li, as an empress who is apparently being poisoned by her emperor husband (Chow Yun Fat). Despite the flamboyant, colorful trappings, this plays like Shakespearean melodrama." From stunt actor Leo Chiang: "The acting was a cinematic masterpiece with Chinese acting legends Gong Li and Chow Yun-Fat dominating their roles and bringing their characters to life. The pain is almost palpable through their eyes and dialogue, making up for the otherwise young and inexperienced cast. Overall, a beautifully shot film… great drama, action, dialogue, acting and cinematics - the elements of every good film. This is the best epic Chinese film to come out for some time." March 28: Gong Li's "Hannibal Rising" co-star, Gaspard Ulliel, made an appearance in Hong Kong yesterday at the opening ceremony of a store. He was asked about working with Gong Li, and said that she is very nice, friendly and generous. He praised her acting, noting that she is very professional, he was very honored to work with her, and he learned a lot from her. He also said that he likes her personal style and feels she is very beautiful. During the interview, Gaspard mentioned that he would be in Hong Kong for only two days and then return to Paris in order to attend the Asian Film Festival there (March 31-April 4). He was asked if he would have the opportunity to visit with Gong Li, and he said no, because she will be in the United States preparing to shoot her next film. (Thanks to NewPath for the tip on the articles.) March 27: Thanks to a fan on the Baidu Chinese forum for the link to a video interview with Gong Li. The interview was conducted in December 2006 to promote "Curse of the Golden Flower". Watch The "Curse of the Golden Flower" Region 1 DVD is released today. Jack Patrick Rogers reviews the DVD for PopMatters.com, and rates it a 7 out of 10. "Gong Li, the most famous actress in Asia, manages to balance her performance as the Empress on the knife's edge between her encroaching madness and her rage over her helplessness in a patriarchal society." Harry Knowles of Ain'tItCool.com writes: "I kinda hate how this film was treated by audiences as just another film by that Hero guy. Dammit – this movie kicks ass. Literally one of the most beautiful films I've seen. One of the coolest films I've seen… If you love Zhang Yimou's work, you'll love this. If that sort of fantasized martial arts film work turns you off… Wow. Ok, this isn't for you. This isn't a big extras DVD, but it's a gorgeous DVD." March 26: Frankie Dees reviews the "Curse of the Golden Flower" R1 DVD for MonstersAndCritics.com: "'Curse of the Golden Flower' is an exquisite-looking piece of period spectacle and melodrama and welcome news for fans of filmmaker Zhang Yimou and actress Gong Li - who pair up once again after seven productive collaborations between 1987 and 1996. Zhang Yimou and Gong Li played a fundamental part in establishing Chinese films as worthy imports in the pantheon of international cinema in the early nineties." Read Review March 25: Yannick Vely reviews "Curse of the Golden Flower" for the French publication Film de Culte. Excerpts: "Always so divine, Gong Li has acquired the international stature of a sex symbol thanks to a golden contract with a cosmetics brand and exquisite performances in some of the greatest films in the world. Working together again [with director Zhang Yimou], the public awaited sparks. They won't be disappointed. More accomplished than 'Hero' and 'House of Flying Daggers', less in action but more so in emotion, 'Curse of the Golden Flower' is one of the best films from the duo. Beautiful, strong and regal, Gong Li makes the foundations of the kingdom of her bloodthirsty husband tremble. Without wanting it, she will be involved in the loss of her descendants. Her impossible rebellion thus has more resonance." March 24: Gong Li is mentioned in the article, "Auras of Success" in The Star (Malaysia): "Of all the auras I have seen, the aura of power and success is the most impressive. This light encases the head and face of a person in a bright glow that immediately captures the attention. It makes heads turn wherever the person goes. The person's presence is unmistakable, even among those who cannot see auras. One person who has this magnificent aura is Gong Li. Born on Dec 31, 1965, Gong Li is said to be one of the most beautiful women in the world and her aura of success is centered on her forehead and radiates around her even though her eyes are always deep wells of sadness. She epitomizes the strong yet seemingly submissive Asian woman, someone who realizes her place in this male-dominated society but is well aware of her own powers." Joblo.com confirms the previously rumored released date for the "Hannibal Rising" R1 DVD: June 5. March 23: Two of Gong Li's films are currently in release in Europe. I reported the other day that "Curse of the Golden Flower" opened at Number One in France last weekend. Today, NoticiasDot.com includes a report that "Hannibal Rising" opened at Number One last weekend in Spain, earning 1.25 million Euros. March 22: Thanks to NewPath for the tip on an article in today's edition of The Beijing News. Their reporter contacted Gong Li's manager regarding recent role rumors. He said that "Hollywood" films are her focus this year, she has received several offers, but the name of her next project can't be announced until the contract is signed. When asked if the producers of the "Indiana Jones 4" project have contacted Gong Li about a role in that film, her manager did not confirm or deny it. March 21: A music video based on clips of Gong Li's and Gaspard Ulliel's scenes in "Hannibal Rising" has been uploaded to YouTube by "isildae". Watch Sony Pictures Home Entertainment announced that "Curse of the Golden Flower" will be released on Blu-ray May 29. The folks at HighDefDigest.com report that "Sony will give the film the 1080p/MPEG-2 treatment, complete with an uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround track in its native Mandarin Chinese." March 20: "Curse of the Golden Flower" opened last week in France at Number One, and Variety reports today that "French auds took to… the lush Chinese epic starring Gong Li and Chow Yun-Fat. Pic is more than meeting distribber SND's high expectations, taking in $2.33 million on 274 [screens] after five days." The folks responsible for determining the winners of the first ever "Asian Film Awards" decided to spread the honors among several countries. The top winners announced tonight are -- Film: "The Host" (South Korea); Director: Jia Zhangke, "Still Life" (mainland China); Actor: Song Kang-ho, "The Host"; Actress: Nakatai Miki, "Memories of Matsuko" (Japan); Screenwriter: Mani Haghighi, "Men at Work" (Iran). March 19: The inaugural Asian Film Awards ceremony will be held tomorrow in Hong Kong. The International Herald Tribune reports today that Gong Li, nominated for Best Actress for "Curse of the Golden Flower", and several other high-profile nominees will not be attending the event. Others on the no-show list include Zhang Ziyi, Ken Watanabe, and Shah Rukh Khan. March 18: Another casting rumor -- Drew McWeeny of Ain't It Cool News posted the following on Hollywood-Elsewhere.com today: "I know for a fact that Gong Li has been dealing with the 'Mummy' producers. The entire supporting cast of 'Mummy' is Asian this time out, and they're aiming for big-name talent." Keith Uhlich and Ed Gonzalez review the "Curse of the Golden Flower" R1 DVD for Slant Magazine. Excerpts: "Image/sound: a nonstop orgy of color… the image's color saturation inspires awe. Ditto the soundtrack… Come for the colors, stay for Gong Li's performance." March 17: Thanks to NewPath for this info from a udn.com (Taiwan) article: The organizers of Taiwan's Golden Horse Film Awards are considering inviting Gong Li to preside over the festival jury. A udn reporter writes that he spoke with Gong Li and she said that she has not received an official invitation yet, and noted that such a job is very tiring and demanding (she has previously presided over Venice, Berlin and Tokyo festival juries). The reporter also noted that she may not have the time to take on that duty as she is currently in negotiations to join a big budget Hollywood film starting production in June. UPDATE: NewPath's translation of the udn.com item was posted on our forum mid-day Saturday, and was picked up by Hollywood-Elsewhere.com a few hours later. It has since spread to several other movie news sites. It is being speculated that Gong Li's next film may be the "Indiana Jones 4" project because it is a "big budget Hollywood" film that begins production in June. It should be noted that while Gong Li has mentioned a "mid-year" production date during several interviews - and the udn reporter mentioned a June start date - for the next film she has been considering working on, she has also said that she cannot yet disclose its name. The rumor of Gong Li being associated with Indy4 actually began on the Chinese Baidu fan forum in November 2005, and that info was reported on our forum at that time. From a Variety article on international box office: "In Spain, B.O. hopes for this weekend rest largely on Miguel Hermosa's 'Lola: the Movie'… Exhibs are also hoping for reasonable returns from 'Hannibal Rising,' which goes out on 325 [screens]." Gaspard Ulliel and director Peter Webber attended a photo call on March 15 at the Hotel Villamagna in Madrid. March 16: Thanks to fans on the Baidu forum for posting screen captures from "Hannibal Rising". Group1 Group2 Todd Gilchrist of IGN Movies reviews the "Curse of the Golden Flower" R1 DVD. He rates the movie a 9 out of 10, and the DVD an 8 out of 10 overall. It "is presented in anamorphic widescreen (2.35:1) preserving the aspect ratio of the film's theatrical exhibition. This film is one of the most beautiful and ornate that I've ever seen, and the DVD does a great job maintaining the detail and design of every frame: colors are vivid, focus is sharp, and contrast is vivid without being overwhelming." March 15: Chinese actress Yu Nan, who stars in "Tuya's Marriage" (Golden Bear winner at the Berlin Film Festival), has spoken many times of her admiration for Gong Li. From a recent interview: "Why do I like Gong Li? Because there is something very strong deep inside her. This quality influences her and guides her, and gives her a special charm that belongs only to her, which naturally shows in her performances... I think she is a very honorable person, which has helped her grow stronger and stronger, making her values and outlook on life more just. Her honorable aura never disappears, unlike with some other people. After they have gone through some bad things, you can even see the expression on their faces become ugly. If you are never influenced by those low things, you won't be low, either... Every great film made by the Chinese Fifth Generation directors starred Gong Li. There must be a reason that she can go this far... I am not trying to say that I am the same as Gong Li. She is the actor that I trust and admire. I think to develop and improve your own qualities - like Gong Li has - is the most important thing... I think the best way to succeed in the world is in the dignified way Gong Li has, not in other cheap ways." (Thanks to NewPath for assistance with the translation.) March 14: Gong Li is one of the CPPCC members sponsoring a joint proposal for legislation to protect the rights of millions of musical performers. Apparently, only composers are currently protected under the law. According to an article on sohu.com, the new proposal includes a requirement that "benefits should be allocated to music performers and music producers, that radio and television stations and public places in secondary use allocate fees to the performers and producers of sound recordings." March 13: From a French Associated Press review of "Curse of the Golden Flower", released in France this week: "The director remains a master in the visual field [but] under the gold and pageantry, the film is a little hollow. Fortunately, there is Gong Li, more regal than ever at 41 years old, even more beautiful without make-up, a tear running down her cheek when she is alone in her room in the evening doing embroidery. Just one of her quiet glances is worth all of the numerous special effects, all of the battle scenes, all of the gold in all of the Chinese palaces."
From a Sina.com article about the CPPCC sessions: "At this year's meetings, Gong Li's every action is focused on by the media. Her movie ratings classification proposal has obtained movie fans' and her colleagues' consistent support. It immediately received multitudinous support in discussion groups… After hearing of the bill's proposal, renowned actress Vivian Wu expressed her feelings on her blog: 'I approve of Gong Li as a committee member proposing a Chinese movie ratings system and appeal to China's film establishment.'" One Chinese essayist recently criticized Gong Li's environmental proposal to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference as being naïve. Yesterday, Xinhua, the state news agency, issued a commentary defending her proposal. "It is a good proposal as long as it reflects the people's voice. Gong Li expressed her environmental concern from her own experience and areas familiar to her, taking on the big subject of environmental protection from a small starting point and calling for everybody to take action." March 12: An interview with Gong Li and full-page photo are included in the March issue of Total Film (UK) magazine. The interview was done during the recent promotion for "Hannibal Rising". Excerpt: "In the past, the kind of [Hollywood] parts that I got sent were 'the flower part' - characters who would just appear in the story to look pretty but who weren't important. Those parts were a waste of time for me. But now it seems like things are changing: these last three roles I've had - Geisha, Miami Vice and Hannibal Rising - are all important characters that allowed me to use my talents."
Novelist Jamie S. Rich reviews the Region 1 "Curse of the Golden Flower" DVD for DVD Talk. Excerpts: "It's a movie that only gets more enjoyable the more time you spend with it. Zhang Yimou continues to adapt and find new ways to tell a story, keeping his work fresh and entertaining… Even when she is playing pale and sickly, Gong Li is still resplendent. There is no question as to why she is the center of male attention in the royal palace." The R1 DVD will be released on March 27.
Mar 10: I uploaded a video clip of Gong Li arriving at the CPPCC meeting last Saturday (thanks, NewPath). It's notable how poised she remained, considering the number of reporters closing in on her. -> Watch video (.wmv) March 9: Thanks to "RedSurprising" for the tip on a video report of Gong Li attending a CPPCC committee meeting earlier this week. -> Watch Thanks to NewPath for this translation of a portion of an interview with director Wang Quanan, who recently was awarded the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. Program Host: "This reminds me of my interview with Gong Li. She pointed out that most Chinese actresses just rely on their Asian characteristics when they try to explore the overseas market, so she follows her own principles when selecting roles." Wang Quanan: "I was so excited when watching Gong Li in Miami Vice. Her shake-off [of certain characteristics] means so much. The thing that made me so excited was not necessarily Miami Vice the film itself. What I meant is that there is finally a Chinese actor who can shake off those characteristics from the inside to out, and can really have the quality and ability to contend with Hollywood. This is very difficult to accomplish for a Chinese actor. Of course, some Chinese actors would display some unexpected behavior and get attention for that, but this does not belong to the art category. So, I was really full of respect for Gong Li at that moment because of the power deep inside her that can help her contend in Hollywood."
Shanghai Daily reports today on Gong Li's movie rating proposal to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. "Tong Gang, director of the film bureau of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, said the film classification system might be written into the draft of the Film Promotion Law. The draft will reportedly be reviewed by the National People's Congress in the near future." March 7: The Hong Kong Film Critics Society awards presentation was held last night. The winners had been announced weeks ago, and Gong Li was named Best Actress for her work in "Curse of the Golden Flower". She was unable to attend the awards ceremony because of her CPPCC duties. As one observer noted: "She is attending the People's Congress, of course, which is certainly more important."
China View includes an article today - "Meet Gong Li the Environmentalist" - that recaps her recent remarks while attending Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference meetings the past couple of days. The writer notes, "even though nature seems to have bestowed China with several adverse elements, she believes the country can do a good job if its people realize the importance of the environment and start doing something from today." Read Article John White reviews the "Curse of the Golden Flower" Region 3 DVD for DVDTimes.co.uk: "The main joy of this film is watching Gong Li work and revisiting Yimou's complete adoration of her. Li's acting has always had great range and this has been well illustrated with Yimou's films - her determined peasant wife in 'Story of Qiu Ju', her doomed performer in 'Shanghai Triad', and the complicated fourth wife in 'Raise the Red Lantern'. In 'Curse of the Golden Flower', she plays a victim of the Emperor's fickle attentions who finds herself in a fight for her life as he wishes to crush her individuality. She discovers many of his secrets and hopes to replace his patriarchy with a kinder juster authority. Li manages a kind of pathetic grace and broken intensity and our compassion for her means that we get lost in her terrible fate regardless of any responsibility she may have for it. She comes to represent the feminine which is held in check by the Emperor's masculine mendacity. Li is, of course, terrific..." More Forbes China has released its annual Celebrity list that ranks "China's actors, actresses, singers and athletes, according to their press coverage, web hits and commercial value [income] in the previous year," according to People's Daily. China Daily notes that "income here refers to their pre-tax incomes rather than the actual ones." A CCTV reporter comments that "calculated exposure" was also considered, ranking some celebs much higher than their earnings alone would place them. Basketball star Yao Ming ($260 million Yuan) tops the list. Athlete Liu Xiang ($58m Yuan) ranks second, director Zhang Yimou ($35m Yuan) third, actress Zhang Ziyi fourth ($18m Yuan) and Gong Li ($46m Yuan, or $5.9m dollars) fifth. Her agent responded to the list yesterday, commenting that he would like to know the basis for the estimated earnings, that a person like Gong Li doesn't pay much attention to such lists, and asked, "What meaning does this list really have?"
During a break from Sunday's CPPCC group discussions, Gong Li spoke with a reporter from the newspaper China Daily. The reporter noted that "in this year's proposal, she has reminded people of the importance and urgency to process garbage, sewage and excess gas" and that it is important to make people aware of the issues. Gong Li said: "Things will become really terrible if we don't take environmental protection more seriously. If I had the time, I would like to take pictures of those garbage heaps to make people aware of the dangers they pose." The reporter also noted that "the actress emphasized that if any institution wanted to promote environmental protection, she would love to join in." Gong Li said with a smile: "I just feel very happy contributing to public welfare service." March 4: More from an interview given yesterday afternoon in Beijing: "Gong noted that she has visited many places while filming and said, emotionally, 'Our environment is so bad. Open garbage can be seen everywhere. We look to the state for money, but each of us rarely thinks about what to do. While filming abroad, I found that the local people have a strong awareness of environmental protection. If there is a chance to be an environmental image ambassador, I would definitely go.' Gong said she sincerely hopes that members will not just complain, but have the capability to really accomplish things." March 3: The CPPCC sessions began this afternoon. Excerpts from various reports: "As soon as Gong Li, Commissar of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, arrived at the scene, she became the media's focal point." "'Gong Li!' reporters shouted, flapping about… The 'seige' lasted about 10 minutes. She left the encirclement of reporters and encountered an old friend, whom she greeted with open arms, then walked straight into the meeting hall to attend the meeting on time." "As soon as she left the building, Gong Li encountered numerous reporters. Although many surrounded her, Gong Li still earnestly answered the reporters' questions." Lu Mei told a reporter: "Gong Li said that at this session, as Commissar, she has prepared a proposal about environmental issues." From another report on the CPPCC sessions: "Gong Li said, 'I especially treasure this opportunity… I hope my speech will meet with everyone's approval.' Gong Li said that this year a movie rating system is being proposed [there are no such regulations at present]: 'People younger than 18 years old should not watch movies with very violent scenes. At present, children may buy any ticket to enter the theater. I think strengthening of management in this area is quite important, an age limit should be established, and an ID card should be shown in order to enter the theater.' Also, she is preparing to state her opinion on environmental protection issues. 'If everyone does not observe some rules, our country will become more polluted.'"
The NYC screening of "Raise The Red Lantern" is a Gothamist.com Pick of the Week: "The Oscar-nominated 'Raise the Red Lantern' gets the revival treatment with a new 35mm print this weekend at Film Forum. Zhang's use of color in the set and costume design, particularly the red accents, are breath-taking... Don't say Gothamist didn't warn you that watching this movie may make you fall deeply for Gong and her gorgeous, expressive face. She's utterly captivating." S. James Snyder writes about "Raise The Red Lantern" for the New York Sun: "All one needs to know about Zhang Yimou's 1991 masterpiece 'Raise the Red Lantern' is to be found the still, silent torrents rippling through Gong Li's face in the movie's opening shot. In one of the film's rare close-ups, we see Ms. Gong - who would go on to become China's leading movie star - standing before us, one of cinema's most captivating beauties. Dressed in bright red, she is a voluptuous sight, but as the narrator intrudes with details of the fate of her character, Songlian, the image slowly, imperceptibly, contorts in front of our eyes. With alarming speed, this crystallized image of beauty degenerates into a face of anger, a solitary tear streaming down her cheek. And then another. It is one of the most unforgettable opening shots ever conceived." March 1: Blogger "Shzr Ee" was part of a group of people present during a recent "Hannibal Rising" press conference at London's Soho Hotel. She writes about Gong Li: "You sense a mix of pride, animal instinct and vulnerability. Sometimes, she appears almost painfully aware of - and resisting - the effect she has on those around her. She is polite to a fault, dispensing her Goodbyes and Thank Yous with neat, efficient English." Webber stated: "Gong Li is in the film only because I think she is the world's greatest actress and I want her to be in my film. I know I'm being selfish as a director, but there you go." Gong Li said: "When I made my first film in China, I didn't even know what Hollywood was. It was originally the name of a place, wasn't it? And now it's this industry term. I was a simple person then, I didn't really care whether my movies traveled – I just wanted to act. And now, still, I don't think I care, really." (thanks to "sailormars")
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