hinese films have always been a guilty pleasure. We liked seeing Asian faces on our heroes but were a bit embarrassed to be seeking affirmation across the Pacific. That changed in 2000 when a Chinese martial arts flick grossed $100 million to become the year's most profitable release, foreign or domestic -- then went on to win gleaming respectability in the form of four Oscars.
The fact that Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon did it with Chinese locations, Chinese actors, English subtitles and a skimpy $12 million budget heralded a Chinese martial arts renaissance. Suddenly, it was considered financially smart and culturally chic for major Hollywood players to go sniffing around for Chinese projects.
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2004 will prove whether American audiences are truly ready to step up to the box office and shell out eight-fifty a head for subtitled Chinese fare. This year no less than four major, critically-acclaimed movies made for Chinese audiences will jostle with Hollywood products for shelf life on American silver screens. All are essentially in the wuxia tradition -- larger-than-life clashes between warriors who possess legendary prowess. Two of these films translate the genre into modern-day settings. All are certified blockbusters in their native lands.
Shaolin Soccer
Introducing a Kung-Fu Jim Carrey
(March 26, 2004)