Small talk with: The Movie Man

CW caught up with Tuebingen Carpenter, moderator for a local debate on Kung Fu Panda, to hear his thoughts on the issues surrounding this animated blockbuster.

Have you seen Kung Fu Panda? Yes, I have and I think it's a great film, definitely one people should go see. I can see how much effort the filmmaker put into studying the Chinese cultural background. Since you're a fan of the movie, why are you organizing a debate on "Is Hollywood violating China"? It's part of a regular series of forums the some friends and I hold once every month on movies. Considering Kung Fu Panda is a popular and controversial movie, we think it's a good topic. There are some negative reviews about the movie arising from a Chinese artist Mr. Zhao Bandi. What do you think of those opinions? With respect to Mr. Zhao's comments on the movie, my attitude is in partial disagreement. I can't agree with the reasons he objects to the movie–some of them are quite ridiculous. I don't support a boycott on everything coming from Hollywood for its relationship with Sharon Stone. I believe the way he thinks about the film is something we should learn from. How so? After watching Hollywood films that borrow from our culture, we need to look back at Chinese films. Why don't we make good use of our own traditional culture and mix it with the modern movie industry? Can you tell us more about the debate you are organizing? Who do you think will attend? Judging from our past experiences, all kinds of people will show up to our event and participate. For Kung Fu Panda, I am expecting more young people to come and join in. What kind of opinions do you expect from participants? I think the young generation will share my opinion. Which is… To analyze the movie in a calm manner. They will let themselves enjoy the film but they won't object to learning from Hollywood about how to promote Chinese traditions and then use them in Chinese films. What movies do you think foreigners should see that accurately represent China? I think Kung Fu movies are still good to see since they show the elements of Chinese culture Westerners are most familiar with. However, Westerners just need to be aware that these are just impressions of China. What Kung Fu movies respect Chinese traditions? Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a good example that was universally well-received–but we can't really call that a Hollywood production.

everyone is talking about: Skimpy in the Open

New rules mean saying bye-bye to scanty outfits and private rooms in entertainment venues nationwide
We've all come to know the difference between Cash Box and what is more affectionately (and we use the term loosely) called "men's" KTV. So do the higher powers. But the culture of "behind closed doors" entertainment is not limited to the walls in which bad renditions of YMCA rebound; most nightclubs, discos and karaoke venues have private rooms for rent which, play host to business soirees and social gatherings and sometimes involve all those things your parents told you not to do which, despite what the man on the street chanting "pretty girls" into your ear would have you believe, are illegal.

Effective October 1, entertainment venues will be required to install windows in private rooms which are not to be obstructed at any time during operating hours. The new rules, released on the Ministry of Public Security’s website (http://www.mps.gov.cn), signed and approved on April 21, are intended to increase transparency (literally) within the entertainment arena in the hopes of curbing illicit activities. This may be fine for those of us not prone to private parties, so long as our favorite Tiger beer outfits stick around, right? Sorry, staff clothing has also been called into question. Rule number 12 decrees that staff should "dress decently," not scantily–we're not quite sure if that means no more go-go boots and short skirts or just no more bikini- clad dancers shaking it on the bar.

Provisions also allow for the installment of cameras in private rooms (get ready for your Youtube close-up) and positioning of security guards within venues as well. The soon to be not-so-private rooms must also be free of adjustable light fixtures to prevent people from escaping into the shadows. You can, however, escape into the bathroom, the only other independent room allowed within a private room–a minor space constraint we're sure any mile high clubbers will be able to circumvent.

SHANGHAI DIGITS

➜ 5
The number of Mao statues in the fish tank at Kommune.

➜ 2,862
Official government translations for Chinese dishes in preparation for the Beijing Olympics. We hope the restaurant in Shanghai that serves "Burnt the fragrant fungi in intestine and lovey sauce" gets hold of a copy of these as well.

➜ 10 million
The predicted kilowatt energy deficit Shanghai faces this summer due to hot weather and rising coal costs.

A SHANGHAI MINUTE: To Nanjing and Beyond

Shanghai to Nanjing at high-speed
Construction of the new high-speed train between Shanghai and Nanjing got underway at the start of July. In theory, the new express mode of transit will cut the travel time between Shanghai and Nanjing down to only slightly over an hour, hurtling along at 250 km / h. With 300 km to traverse and a total of 17 stops to hit, efficiency in hitting the one-hour travel time may become an issue. The transit authorities have said that trains will depart every three minutes with some express trains hitting only crucial stations to save on time. The fastest train between the two cities to date takes two hours, though this line will be converted into a cargo shipping line once the express line is completed in July 2010 in time for Expo 2010.