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Speaking of whitewashing, there's an upcoming movie set in ancient China featuring none other than Matt Damon (but apparently everyone speaks English in the movie as it is a joint U.S./China production).
Just following the time honored tradition of Hollywood putting white actors in movie roles that could/should have been portrayed by 'native' actors. I wouldn't be surprised if Matt's character falls in love with a local Chinese woman.
I suppose one could debate this endlessly.
Would I personally be more inclined to watch this because it stars Matt Damon? Honestly, I would say yes. Damon's been on a roll these past few years with many box office successes to his name, so he's hot now.
Don't get me wrong, I don't mind watching foreign movies in their native tongue. But I'm also intrigued because I like some of the director's previous work, and no one in the world can make gorgeous fantasy epics like Chinese filmmakers.
But star power alone doesn't guarantee success. I had no desire to see 47 Ronin with Keanu Reeves though I like him. And many people agreed with me since it didn't do well at the box office.
Location: C.E.O. of the international men of leisure
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The Great Wall director Zhang Yimou has responded to accusations of "whitewashing" following the casting of Matt Damon as the movie's lead.
The trailer for the film caused controversy with many assuming Damon was playing a role that should be played by a Chinese actor.
Yimou told Entertainment Weekly that wasn't the case. "Our film is not about the construction of the Great Wall. Matt Damon is not playing a role that was originally conceived for a Chinese actor.
"The arrival of his character in our story is an important plot point. There are five major heroes in our story and he is one of them — the other four are all Chinese."
He added: "I have not and will not cast a film in a way that was untrue to my artistic vision."
I think this will go the same route 47 Ronin did and flop at the box office. And I like both actors but this has flop written all over it. It will barley be a speed bump for him and he will move on to another film.
I think this will go the same route 47 Ronin did and flop at the box office. And I like both actors but this has flop written all over it. It will barley be a speed bump for him and he will move on to another film.
I agree. 47 Ronin was a fun flick, but it could've been much better.
Then John Wick came out and everyone forgot about 47 Ronin.
The knee-jerk cry of "whitewashing" lately has become tiresome. I just saw this movie and Damon's character is a Westerner come to Asia looking to trade for black powder. His character was clearly not originally conceived as an Asian role, hence no whitewashing. And the Chinese characters spoke Chinese, imagine that.
Location: Born & Raised DC > Carolinas > Seattle > Denver
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This movie wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. Nothing memorable, I'll never watch it again....but I enjoyed it. Decent flick. I thought it was going to be horrible.
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