China + Hollywood: are we heading for a divorce?

May 13, 2022

Erich Schwartzel, author of "Red Carpet: Hollywood, China, and the Global Battle for Cultural Supremacy", joins for a fascinating discussion on Hollywood's rocky relationship with China. They delve into the motivations behind the director of "Seven Years in Tibet" apologizing years later and the challenges filmmakers face with censorship. The conversation explores how Richard Gere's career highlights the moral dilemmas of the industry and examines the growing influence of Chinese domestic productions on Hollywood's future. Cultural exchange, complex narratives, and cinematic diplomacy take center stage.

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ANECDOTE

Seven Years in Tibet Controversy

In the mid-90s, Hollywood saw a surge in Buddhist themes, with Richard Gere championing the Dalai Lama.
Sony's film, Seven Years in Tibet, faced immediate backlash from Chinese authorities, threatening Sony's presence in China.

ANECDOTE

Red Dawn Remake Alterations

The 2009 Red Dawn remake, featuring a Chinese invasion, faced pressure from Chinese authorities.
MGM digitally altered the film, changing the invaders to North Koreans, reflecting the then-different geopolitical climate.

ANECDOTE

Titanic's Impact in China

Titanic's success in China was a watershed moment for Western films.
Zhang Zemin praised the film, viewing it as a case study in soft power and even an instruction manual for winning hearts and minds.

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