Friday, May 1, 2009

Screen adoptions of novels

Screen adaptations of novels often have mixed fortunes...with many turning out to be a huge success, or a dismal failure. One successful example is the latest Oscar winning film, "Slumdog Millionare". In today's "Spotlight", we take a look at some screen adaptations, both at home and abroad.


In China, the novel "Summer of Foam" is being made into a TV series and shooting has just begun. The lead roles are played by stars Huang Xiaoming, He Rundong, Barbie Hsu, and Ying Tsai-ling. Lead actor He Rundong, who is also the series' producer, says they are being very careful about adapting the novel into a TV series. They have chosen quality stars who appeal to a young audience.






TVseriesLoveinaFallenCity,adaptedfromlatewriterEileenChang'sfamousnovel,featuresactressChenShuasthe***.

TVseries"LoveinaFallenCity",adaptedfromlatewriterEileen
Chang'sfamousnovel,featuresactressChenShuasthe***.


Producer He Rundong said, "I persuaded Ming Xiaoxi, the writer of the original novel for two months, letting her to sell the adaptation rights to me. Now, you see our cast is very powerful, so I believe the series will be a success."


Another two screen adaptations in China are using stars to boost their image. The film "Night Rose" was adapted from Taiwan writer Cai Zhiheng's novel of the same name. It stars Ruby Lin and Wallace Chung. Another TV series "Love in a Fallen City", adapted from late writer Eileen Chang's famous novel, features actress Chen Shu as the ***. Chen rose to fame by playing a mathematician in the hit TV series "Calculation". The novel is a classic in the eyes of many readers. Chen has done a lot of preparation for her role, hoping she can satisfy fans' expectations.


The most successful adaptation of the year arguably goes to "Slumdog Millionare". It met Chinese audiences within the shortest time of all imported films, after its foreign premiere. It garnered eight Academy awards at this year's Oscars.


Click for more news in Culture Express

Sauteed Prawns with Pumpkin and Curry Sauce

On today's edition of Chopsticks, we're serving up "Sauteed Prawns with PumpkinandCurry Sauce," an innovative pairing of seafood and vegetable.







It's easy to prepare and is sure to put a bounce in your step.







So join us to find out how to dazzle your guests.






Sauteed Pea Sprouts with Crab Claws

On today's edition of Chopsticks, we're serving up "Sauteed Pea Sprouts with Crab Claws," a healthy dish of fresh vegetables and nourishing seafood.







It's easy to prepare and is sure to put a bounce in your step this springtime.


Click for more news in Culture Express





Coming Attractions: Apr.27th - May 4th

Next is our weekly pick of entertainment options in major Chinese cities. We will introduce you to some of the best films, plays, concerts that are sure to leave you spoilt for choice during your leisure time. So why not start marking your calendar, if films and shows are your cup of tea.


"Iron Man" to be released


A model oil worker famous in China during the 1960s has been portrayed in a recent big screen production. The biopic will be released across China during the May Day holiday.







Revolving around the career and life of model oil worker Wang Jinxi, the film tells the story of a group of oil workers in 1960s China who dedicated all their efforts and enthusiasm into the country's oil exploration. The film also chronicles China's oil industry over the past five decades. It was shot at the Tarim oil field in northwest China as well as at the Daqing oil field in the northeast.


Director Yin Li says he hopes his film reflects part of the huge changes in the country after the establishment of the People's Republic of China. And he added that it is a gift to the motherland on it's sixtieth anniversary.


Click for more news in Culture Express

Winners of Hong Kong Film Awards

The winners of the prestigious Hong Kong Film Awards were announced last weekend. Local movies "Ip Man" and "The Way We Are" were standouts at the event. Let's take a look at the five biggest winners.


No.5 "Assembly"







War epic "Assembly" won the trophy for "Best Film from Asia". Two of Feng Xiaofang's latest films were nominated for the award, including "Assembly" and "If You Are the One." It's rare for two films by the same director to be nominated in this category. The criteria for winning the prize includes the film's influence, and it must convey a positive, inspiring theme.


Click for more news in Culture Express