Chinese ban on violent films

Press, 8 February 1986, Page 28

Chinese ban on violent films

NZPA-AP Peking Motion pictures containing violence and pornography violate China’s standards for imported films, a leading official was quoted as saying in the latest sign of tighter controls on the film industry. Hu Jian, manager of the China Film Import and Export Company, cited the restriction in listing standards for imported films, the overseas edition of the “People’s Daily” (“Renmin Ribao”) reported. He said the standards ruled out films with pornography or violence, or “unhealthy, decadent or superstitious qualities.” Also excluded are films that distort history or run counter to science, or that would harm friendly relations between China and other countries. The list reflects a tightening of policy since last year, when “First Blood,” the violent story of a Rambo Vietnam veteran at war with small-town

police, was a box-office > hit in Chinese cities. ’ One Peking worker who J saw the film said, “He did so much for his Govern- - ment and got nothing in * return. We . can under- * stand that kind of suffer- ! ing.” > < The Chinese did not “ import “Rambo," the » sequel, set in Vietnam. Recently, responsibility for the Chinese film industry was transferred from the Culture Ministry to the Ministry of Radio , and Television, which is » more closely linked with * Communist Party propa- « gandists. "•« Technical reasons were » given for the change but ' industry sources said two ; French films with explicit ’ sex scenes, shown in ’ China last April,' contributed to the decision. An American film festival in April last year j was less troublesome, be- , cause. Chinese officials ? chose “Star: Wars,” “Kramer vs Kramer,” “On - Golden Pond,” “Coal-:; miner’s Daughter*’ < ahd'.> “The Turning .Point":