China is the most populous country in the world with the second largest economy. Could it become one of the top film producing countries in the world?
It may be well on its way as per a report published by the BBC. China's dream of making a global blockbuster may turn into reality with the 'The Great Wall.' The movie is believed to be the costliest movie to be shot in China besides being the most extravagant with huge sets and elaborate costumes.
The person helping to make this happen ironically is Matt Damon, America's heart throb. Damon plays the leading role of a foreign mercenary who comes to China to steal gun powder. Damon's role has erupted into a controversy being dubbed as 'whitewashing.'
Both Damon and Zhang Yimou, the movie's Chinese director of eminence, play down the controversy. Yimou says, "Of course he is a foreigner. For the director, we never consider the race question first. We always think about the story first. If the story flows, if the story is good."
In defense of his role as reported in the Independent, Damon said, 'It wasn't altered because of me in any way.' Damon added that the role "was always intended to be European," saying that "once people see that it's a monster movie and it's a historical fantasy and I didn't take a role away from a Chinese actor ... it wasn't altered because of me in any way."
Whatever be the controversy, The Great Wall is bound to make a statement for Chinese culture. America should be flattered because China hopes to copy America in developing 'soft power' that cinema offers to showcase Chinese values to the world audience.
It remains to be seen whether The Great Wall the movie makes the same impact as its more famous namesake, which is supposed to be the only man-made object to be seen from space.
