Message from dnakashima

[Anonymous]

I have shown a bit of Hero to my class as an example of the Qin dynasty and the unification of the Warring States. I was surprised at first at some of the harsh reviews Clay posted links to. But I guess that anything that passes state censors in China are going to succumb to harsh reviews anywhere.

This brings me to a question: how much control does the state exercise in the creation of pop culture these days?

Another question is how historically accurate can any of these movies be? Surely the textbook I use in class does not have too much about the Shang and the Qin. One review Clay linked us to refers to the Emperor and the Assassin which (I think) dsenteno panned for us in the forum. The review says this is more historically accurate. How much is "true"?

As far as the Emperor and the Assassin movie, is that readily available in video stores or libraries? Where did people find that?

My two bits about Hero is that it's one of the most visually stunning films I've ever seen. I especially liked the horrific room where Nameless meets the Emperor. But the movie dragged on for me and I could not get into the romances much. In fact, I think I conked out in the theater when I first saw it, but just to give a look at an idea of what ancient Qin times were like, it was good 'nuff.

dan