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Director Rips China Over Actress Ban

Lee blasts media silence, blacklisting of Lust, Caution star

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 10, 2008 1:30 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Director Ang Lee has blasted Chinese officials for blacklisting a young actress who appeared in his film Lust, Caution. Authorities have ordered TV stations to stop reporting on actress Tang Wei and to pull ads featuring her, even though censors signed off on her portrayal of a student activist who seduces a Chinese official to set him up for assassination, the AP reports.

Lust, Caution won the Venice Film Festival's top award and was a box office hit in China. "I am very disappointed that Tang Wei is being hurt by this decision. We will do everything we can to support her in this difficult time," said Lee, a native of Taiwan who also directed Brokeback Mountain. The media blackout does not extend to Lee or to Tang's co-star Tony Leung.

Taiwanese director Ang Lee speaks during a press conference before the 44th annual Golden Horse Film Awards in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007. The Golden Horse Film Awards is one of the most prominent award venues for the Chinese language film industry. (AP Photo/Wally Santana)
Taiwanese director Ang Lee speaks during a press conference before the 44th annual Golden Horse Film Awards in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007. The Golden Horse Film Awards is one of the most prominent...   (Associated Press)
Tang Wei arrives at the 2008 Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, Calif. on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
Tang Wei arrives at the 2008 Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, Calif. on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)   (Associated Press)
In a file photo Tang Wei arrives at a screening of the film Lust, Caution at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007. Chinese regulators have ordered TV stations in Beijing and Shanghai to stop reporting on actress Tang Wei and...
In a file photo Tang Wei arrives at a screening of the film "Lust, Caution" at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007. Chinese regulators have...   (Associated Press)
Chinese actress Tang Wei stands in front of a poster of herself during Japan premiere of her latest movie Lust, Caution, directed by Ang Lee in Tokyo Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)
Chinese actress Tang Wei stands in front of a poster of herself during Japan premiere of her latest movie "Lust, Caution," directed by Ang Lee in Tokyo Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)   (Associated Press)
China actress Tang Wei holds her award for Best New Performer at the 44th Golden Horse Awards, Saturday, Dec.8, 2007 in Taipei, Taiwan. The Golden Horse awards are the Chinese-language film industry's biggest annual events.(AP Photo/Wally Santana)
China actress Tang Wei holds her award for Best New Performer at the 44th Golden Horse Awards, Saturday, Dec.8, 2007 in Taipei, Taiwan. The Golden Horse awards are the Chinese-language film industry's...   (Associated Press)
Taiwan director Ang Lee, left, and Chinese actress Tang Wei hold their awards for their film Lust, Caution at the 44th Golden Horse Awards in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007. Lust, Caution dominated the show with the most awards including Best Film. (AP Photo/Wally Santana)
Taiwan director Ang Lee, left, and Chinese actress Tang Wei hold their awards for their film "Lust, Caution" at the 44th Golden Horse Awards in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007. "Lust, Caution"...   (Associated Press)
Lust, Caution director Ang Lee, right, and cast member Tang Wei pose together at a screening of the film at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
"Lust, Caution" director Ang Lee, right, and cast member Tang Wei pose together at a screening of the film at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, Calif., Wednesday, Oct....   (Associated Press)
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'Lust, Caution' scoops seven top awards in Taiwan
Associated Press

'Lust, Caution' a box-office bonanza in China
Associated Press

 
China • Ang Lee • Brokeback Mountain • Lust, Caution • Tang Wei • Lost in Beijing • blacklist • Chinese officials • Tony Leung

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