Li Qiankuan, a member of China's top advisory body and director general of Changchun Film Studio, said on Monday that competing for Oscar honors should not be the ultimate goal for Chinese blockbusters. Instead, filmmakers should take into account ordinary people's tastes.
"Audiences' opinions and expectations, or criticisms from film critics, are helpful for the development of Chinese film industry. Without them, we would feel neglected," Li said.
Since many Chinese blockbusters are putting big budget investment ahead of content, Li Qiankuan said the spectacle of the movie is only one perspective of cinematography. He said he believes profound themes and lively characters are more important.
Li said movies favored by ordinary Chinese people are destined to be recognized by world cinema. "It is pathetic that our filmmakers only made movies to win an Oscar. Chinese filmmakers should stand on our country's land. If a film could not be liked by Chinese people, even if it was awarded at Academy Awards, it was not a good movie in my mind."
He added that a film that delivers a real and profound portrayal of China deserves people's respects regardless of whether it wins international awards.
