2015-07-15 CN xiamen
Chinese Taoists are angry with Chen Kaige's new film, "Monk Comes
Down the Mountain," claiming the director is demonizing their
religion.
An anonymous Taoist has published a series of questions for Chen,
asking the director whether he knows anything about real Taoism.
According to cnwnews.com, which published the questions, the
letter’s writer is a widely respected figure in Taoist
circles.
The Taoist said he has not seen the film but has seen comments and
plot synopses on his friends' social network and microblog
accounts.
"Nowadays, art needs to express the creator's thoughts while also
entertaining, and I want to ask director Chen if this film is in
accord with President Xi Jinping's directions for the arts? Does it
promote positive energy?"
The Taoist also asked Chen if he knew about the beliefs and
philosophical implications of Taoism. The writer was also curious
as to why in the film the Taoist played by Wang Baoqiang, has to
seek answers from a Buddhist monk.
"In your mind, are Chinese martial artists just concerned with
hatred and revenge? When you used 'Taoist' in your film title, did
you understand that you were demonizing and making fun of Taoism?
How dare you!" the writer continued. Though the official English
title of the film is "Monk Comes Down the Mountain," the film’s
Chinese title literally as translates to "Taoist Comes Down the
Mountain."
Finally, the Taoist questioned film censors about why they allowed
this film to exploit Taoism for entertainment. "If it was another
religion, would you do the same? We know the policies don't allow
propaganda about extreme religious thoughts, but do they allow
[artists] the right to make fun of and hurt religion? "
The anonymous Taoist letter-writer is not the only one who has
spoken out. Taoist master Li Zhichen also published an essay,
criticizing the film on July 8 on a platform of Souhu.com. Li wrote
that Chen used inaccurate Taoist costumes, mocked Taoist
traditions, and twisted the image of Taoism. He also didn't
understand why a Taoist had to consult with a Buddhist monk to
resolve his problems in the film. Furthermore, Li pointed out that
the film's theme song is a Buddhist song, which he thought is very
strange given the fact that the film is supposed to be about a
Taoist.
Chen Kaige and the film's producers have not responded to the
controversy. China's film and religious departments also have not
yet responded to questionings regarding the issue.
In 2001, Hong Kong comedian and director Stephen Chow clashed with
the film bureau of the State Administration of Radio, Film and TV
over similar problems during its examination of "Shaolin Soccer."
SARFT refused to allow "Shaolin Soccer" to be released in theaters
or on DVD and HS because of complaints from the Shaolin Temple that
putting "soccer" alongside "Shaolin" would insult Buddhists. Chow
refused to change the title to "Kungfu Soccer," and the film's
producer was banned from shooting on the mainland for one year as a
result, Xinhua reported.
Chen seemed not to have encountered such religious censorship
problems.
"Monk Comes Down the Mountain" is a Chinese
comedy-fantasy-adventure film directed by Chen Kaige and featuring
a star-studded cast that includes Wang Baoqiang, Aaron Kwok, Chang
Chen, Lin Chi-ling, Fan Wei, Yuen Wah, Vanness Wu, Wang Xueqi,
Danny Chan Kwok-kwan, Lam Suet and Dong Qi. The film also features
Jackie Chan's son Jaycee Chan, who eventually appeared in the film
despite being subject to a ban issued by China's government film
watchdog due to the younger Chan's drug conviction earlier this
year.
The film tells the story of a young Taoist who finds his way and
life philosophy through a series of strange adventures in the big,
colorful and temptation-ridden world after leaving a monastery on a
mountain. The film is a visual feast full of action, sex and,
revenge. It has grossed 383 million yuan (US$61.7 million) in the
Chinese film market so far, making it the highest-earning film of
Chen's career.