Giant Robot Store and GR2 News

Here’s one opinion aside from ours about Christian Bale and his visit to the activist Chen Guangcheng. Shaun Rein in his column claims publicity stunt by CNN. Perhaps it wasn’t for the film’s benefit, but it was to get ratings for the news organization. Big film name, controversy in China = great ratings. CNN set it up the confrontation and Rein calls them out in their journalistic integrity. However, the confrontation did get on the news everywhere, and the film’s title is now much more known than before. Was Bale trying to do something good? Surely, but the flip side has to be looked at as well. (Forbes – Rein)
Continue reading
Can this be a scam? Roughed up might be a nice word for it, but really, how rough was it? His rant and yelling at a crew member in the past is more of a “roughing up”. Surely the crew with Christian Bale knew that visiting an activist who’s heavily guarded would created great news footage in preparation for his Flowers of War film which takes place in China. The Chinese blind activist makes for great news. Great promo for the film. (CNN – Bale)  
Continue reading
Yet another vehicle for an American star to do something with China and score. The stakes get higher. Now it’s the venerable Zhang Yimou with Christian Bale. Will it work? How about a Ryan Gosling and Chen Kaige epic about ping pong? Perhaps a Glee meets China Glee? This story called “Flowers of War” is tragic and surely will be one for the generations. Rape of Nanking, Japanese soldiers, rape, school girls, hookers, and white of yellow love, make for a story that’ll keeps me from being Japanese American in China. Yes, when in Beijing, China, I’m Eric Chang, a 5th generation ABC. I know nothing except Chow Fun noodles are good. If I’m Eric Chang my food will show up without spit in it. (LA Times – China US)
Continue reading