Your current location:HOME >travel >VOX POPULI: China remains same heartless nation as seen in grim 1984 film 正文
TIME:2024-05-08 16:59:50 Source: Internet compilationEdit:travel
The impression one gets from watching a film for the first time may keep drastically changing with e
The impression one gets from watching a film for the first time may keep drastically changing with every viewing.
For me, a case in point is the 1984 Chinese film “Yellow Earth,” the directorial debut for Chen Kaige, who was forced to live in a rural area during the Cultural Revolution.
With refreshing sensitivity, Chen tells a story set in a bleak village in the barren backwoods of northwest China.
A young Communist Party soldier traveling around the nation on a mission teaches a young village girl about the outside world.
With great pride, he speaks of an ideal future society where all people are equal.
When I first saw this film, I sensed something propagandist about this soldier’s too-good-to-be-true goodness.
And when I saw it again, I realized this could be a metaphor of sorts.
Everything the soldier says is utterly right and proper, but the Communist Party could not--or would not--save even one hapless young girl.
As if in accusation of that sort of hypocrisy, the voice of the girl shouting, “The Communist Party saves the entire nation,” is drowned out by the sounds of the rushing river.
A Chinese woman died in Tokyo last week. This was not a movie but a real story.
Tang Zhengqi, 27, a student in Japan, suddenly became ill three years ago and remained in a coma until her death on Feb. 2o.
Her father in China, Tang Jitian, wanted to travel to Japan to be with her.
But because he is a prominent human rights lawyer, Beijing refused to let him leave the country.
The reason the authorities gave was that his visit to Japan could “imperil China’s national security.”
How could national security possibly be jeopardized by a father being with his dying daughter?
China has become so prosperous and powerful, yet the government continues tormenting the people by abusing their human rights at will.
I am frustrated and angry beyond words.
--The Asahi Shimbun, Feb. 27
* *
*Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
Gisele Bundchen joke from Tom Brady roast came from Drew Bledsoe's wife, ex2024-05-08 16:50
Both bodies found five days after kayaks capsized going over a dangerous dam in Indianapolis2024-05-08 16:29
Former Green Bay player Kayla Karius leaves South Dakota to return to her alma mater as coach2024-05-08 16:20
Stoinis powers Lucknow to 62024-05-08 15:39
Hubei vows to boost high2024-05-08 15:20
In Argentina, the government's austerity plan hits universities and provokes student protests2024-05-08 15:10
Mistrial declared in case of Arizona rancher accused of murdering Mexican migrant on his land2024-05-08 14:58
Athens skies turn an orange hue with dust clouds from North Africa2024-05-08 14:56
South China's Boao sees thriving homestay industry2024-05-08 14:16
Dutch intelligence sees the wars in Gaza and Ukraine as triggers for terrorist threats2024-05-08 14:13
Boy Scouts of America changes name after 114 years to 'boost inclusion'2024-05-08 16:57
Britain's Kensington Palace releases image of Prince Louis to mark his 6th birthday2024-05-08 16:56
Remains believed to be missing woman, daughter found at West Virginia home on same day suspect died2024-05-08 16:49
America's best airlines ranked2024-05-08 16:38
Türkiye's Istanbul welcomes 1st Chinese tourist group after pandemic2024-05-08 15:59
Petrol surpasses 150p a litre2024-05-08 15:56
Ten of the world's best airports for food and drinks, according to experts2024-05-08 15:50
Caitlin Clark to sign new Nike deal valued at $28 million over 8 years, reports say2024-05-08 15:22
More GOP states challenge federal rules protecting transgender students2024-05-08 15:20
Lana Del Rey Coachella performance lands organizers $28K FINE2024-05-08 14:37