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HK Movies to Take Center Stage at Chinese Oscars

2004-12-3 16:10:19 CRIENGLISH.com

Hong Kong movies are likely to take center stage at the Chinese-language version of the Oscars in Taiwan on Saturday, with Wong Kar-wai's latest art house movie "2046" topping the list of nominations.

The film by the internationally acclaimed Hong Kong director about the love life of an erotic novelist received eight Golden Horse nominations, including best feature film, actor and actress.

Finished just in time to debut in the Cannes film festival last May, "2046" is another example of an Asian movie that has transcended language and cultural barriers to hit international screens.

The film looked to be the strongest contender, said film critic Li Ya-mei.

"It's not just Chinese movies. Korean movies especially are also gaining interest in Hollywood. The rise of Asian movies shows audiences are tired of a lack of creation by Hollywood and are trying to find good movies elsewhere," Li said.

But Taiwan director Alex Yang, whose "Taipei 21" won the top prize for best film at this year's Asia Pacific Film Festival, was less certain about the prospects for Asian films, which face much tighter budget constraints than Hollywood rivals.

The director said Asian movies that have enjoyed huge following around the world, such as Ang Lee's martial arts epic, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and Zhang Yimou's "Hero" and "House of Flying Daggers," are rare exceptions.

It is still difficult for independent Asian filmmakers to compete in Hollywood, he said.

"Movies that are popular in the West have similar characteristics. They have the backing of well-funded international movie companies and the stories fulfil the fantasy of Western audiences about the East," Yang said.

"You need the necessary ingredients to be recognized internationally and be commercially successful," he said.

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