China's film industry needs to embrace multiple topics to develop itself, said Han Sanping, a CPPCC National Committee member and chairman of China Film Group Corporation.
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Han Sanping, member of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and chairman of China Film Group Corporation. |
According to Han, war movies have attracted the most attention in Chinese film history, surpassing thrillers and sci-fi flicks. However, among the six hundred movies released every year, there are only few decent ones.
"We haven't made good use of these topics." Han said, "The U.S. has shot more than 1,800 movies about WWII, including five involving the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), whereas we have filmed nothing. Even South Korea has produced 17."
"However, I think the topic of the Korean War, as well as the themes of the Vietnam War and the Sino-Indian War form a great treasure for us. They could be turned into excellent war movies."
Han suggested that the Chinese government should provide more support to shoot such films. "Actually, the American government has a strong will to get involved in the field of film," he said.
The 1986 American hit movie "Top Gun" shows off the country's F-14 fighter jet, which was actually still not to be mentioned at that time, according to Han. However, upon director Tony Scott's request, the American government provided him with sufficient (top-secret) material about the fighter plane, and he then finally was able to make the film.
Very few people were willing to join the U.S. army after the Vietnam War (1955-1975), but after the film's release, youngsters were almost rushing to enlist, Han said.
Last year, the U.S. produced two movies about the death of Osama Bin Laden. "The CIA supported, either overtly or covertly, the shooting of both films. Earning a huge income, they also showed the power of the U.S. and its military force and scared its enemy," he said, "The U.S. is taking advantage of films to serve its state will, politics and power."
Chinese films should make full use of these multiple topics so that the industry can be enriched, Han added. Meanwhile, in order to promote domestic movies going global, it also needs to improve the contents of its science and technology as well as its industry.
Han proposed for the country to set up some national film projects in the fields of industry and science and technology, so that these can enthrall audiences all over the world one day.