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Chinese
Film and TV |
Introduction
to Chinese Film and TV |
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On this page we will give you a lot of information concerning
films and TV in general. If you aren't interested in
us rabbiting-on and just want our film guides with free
online film links go here: Chinese
Films Kung
Fu Films
Chinese Films and Television are similar to those found
in other countries, but have their own idiosyncrasies.
Lets look in general at some specifics and misapprehensions:
1. Viewing Guidelines
We do not think there is any specific classification
system for films and general media, although most films
will have a version of a Western screening system.
Violence is allowed to a great extent and may involve
vivid and graphic displays of blood. Fighting as in
Kung Fu is very common. Foul language is also common,
but may be excluded from subtitles. Sex is always implied
and never shown - reminiscent of old Black and White
movies, Casablanca being a prime example. Even kissing
in a public area is taboo, as it is in real life. Children's
films that are made for children and do not contain
any unwarranted content 2. Censorship
This applies more to news bulletin's and some documentaries;
and is equally applicable to printed matter. Contrary
to popular belief, the Chinese Government do not actually
censor anything. Instead they have a small dedicated
team who set 'Guidelines', which are usually of a broad
rather than specific nature. Media companies who broadcast
and distribute programme's and films are left to themselves
to interpret the censorship guidelines, and to apply
local censorship themselves should they think it is
necessary. Of course, behind this lies the very real
threat that if they get the censorship level wrong,
then they could loose their licence. Therefore they
tend to be over cautious
CCTV (China Central Television) is the state television
channel, and offers some 30 channels in various languages
including: English, Arabic, French, Spanish and has
just added Russian. They set the benchmark concerning
censorship, and most other companies follow their lead
One frustrating aspect concerns foreign channels, especially
those from Hong Kong in English, is that they are overzealous
regarding censorship of news. Hence for news regarding
the recent unrest in Urumqi (August 2009), we have to
tune into CCTV9, as this is blanked by our local cable
supplier - at least until such time as it is old and
well know news 3. Subtitles
Virtually all Chinese television and film is accompanied
by Mandarin subtitles. Whilst this may at first sight
appear totally stupid, it is actually very good. It
means that all Chinese can understand what is happening,
regardless of their Mandarin ability. In some parts
of China, Mandarin (Although the State language taught
in schools) may actually be the third language spoken
by a region or ethnic group. The subtitles are there
for inclusion of all Chinese peoples.
Cantonese subtitles are common in certain areas such
as Hong Kong and Guangdong. This specifically relates
to movies and music. In our experience: 90% of Kung
Fu films, 40% of all films, and 60% of popular international
Chinese music will have Cantonese subtitles, not Mandarin.
This is regardless of which language the song or film
is actually performed in!
English and Arabic subtitles are also quite common,
depending upon which part of China you are viewing from.
These are usually in addition to Mandarin subtitles
- which can prove very useful for those studying the
language
Films when purchased as DVD's will come with a suite
of languages and subtitles 4.
Languages
The standard language is of course Mandarin, but regional
variations and specific channels cater for other Languages
and especially local dialects of the area
5. Television
Chinese television offers a good selection of programmes
in many languages. Although terrestrial TV does exist,
it is virtually defunct and offers few channels. Most
television is via cable and 150 to 200 channels are
available to view. Most are included in the basic package,
but some such as ESPN (HK) Sports are available for
a minimal extra charge.
Satellite TV is also quite common, but may not be permitted
in city high rise blocks. Satellite offers an even greater
choice of channels, and the price is very competitive.
Locally in Foshan, Satellite offers over 30 English
channels, including BBC, Discovery, Sky Cinema and Movie
Max. There are also dedicated sports channels etc
Chinese television offers a varied schedule on main
channels, with news, sports, weather, sit-com's and
soaps, films, serials, kids TV, documentaries etc. The
two Hong Kong channels, ATV and TVB also offer similar
in English, and they are similar to British TV in many
ways. They also show movies and leading serials such
as: 24, Lost, Prison Break, CSI (All versions), House,
Grey's Anatomy ... and many others. Catch-up
TV
This is offered by Pearl (TVB) and offers you the chance
to watch anything popular as shown over the last 5 years
or so. The only restriction being you cannot watch something
until it has been aired for the first time. Whilst their
media player isn't the best, it is a great resource.
For full listings please use the drop down menu on the
page linked below under 'Please Select' Watch
Catch-up TV now 6.
Films
Films are available from all over the world, and usually
include: Chinese Films, Chinese language films (Asian
Origin, Hollywood films, Notable world cinema such as
Bombay Slumdog Millionaire. 7. DVD's
DVD is the most popular and common media format, and
especially useful for offering a wide selection of languages
and subtitles. DVD's sold in shops do not have any stupid
'Region' restrictions (A ruse for rich companies to
make even more money), so they will normally play on
any type of player 8. Other Media
China has a plethora of modern media devices, and films
can appear in a variety of formats. VHS video is still
around, but this is obsolete nowadays. VCD's and HVCD's
are quite common and cheaper, but you often need several
to watch a full movie. DVD and DVD 9 are by far the
most common formats for purchase, whilst various compression
portals like our preferred Ku6.com offer streaming and
online solutions |
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Related Pages:
• Chinese Films - General
Introduction with some links
• Kung Fu Films
- With links to famous stars and short biography
• Chinese Television
- Generalised look at what sort of programs are aired
• Introduction - This page
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This information is as supplied by ourselves, and ably
supported by our friends and various internet portals:
Disclaimer:
As far as we are aware, all information and downloads
are either reproduced here with expressed permission,
or obtained from reliable free resources, and comply
with International Property Rights.
Please contact us 'Now' if
you think there is a problem, and we will rectify the
situation immediately |
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Film
Highlights |
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A very intriguing film set against the background
of Chinese Opera. Regarded as a modern classic, it follows
the life of two young Opera stars, focusing mainly on
the one playing the female lead - who is 'gay', which
is taboo in China (Even today!) |
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