Lust, Caution's Tang Wei Blacklisted in China
28-year-old actress Tang Wei has been blacklisted in China because of the sexual nature of her performance in Ang Lee's erotic thriller Lust, Caution. Neither the director nor co-star Tony Leung were censured for their participation.
The United Evening News said Chinese print and electronic media "were notified to immediately remove" any works and commercials featuring the Chinese actress, including a new advertisement for Ponds Skin cream. It remains unclear how long this ban will last.
"I am very disappointed that Tang Wei is being hurt by this decision," director Ang Lee said. "She gave one of the greatest performances ever in a movie that was properly produced and distributed. We will do everything we can to support her in this difficult time.''
Indeed, Tang Wei's performance in Lust, Caution was spectacular. In her first (and enormously difficult) screen role, Wei's transformation from naive school girl to a seductive world-class spy is nothing less than stunning.
I met the actress at a Focus Features event held last December in celebration of the film. To my embarrassment, I didn't immediately recognize Tang Wei -- expecting the exquisite beauty of her on-screen character Mrs. Mak Tai Tai, I mistook the pretty young woman for another party goer. I complemented Ms. Wei on her wonderful performance, and she demurred, obviously embarrassed. I can only imagine the distress this ban must bring her. [Posted by Marcy]
Comments
it’s so not fair! there is no freedom in China!
the article is wrong, the actress is not a taiwaness, she come from mainland China.
She is from mainland China. She is not Taiwanese.
Thanks, guys. Sorry about the mistake. We fixed it.
I was totally mesmerized by Tang Wei’s breathtaking & charismatic performance in ‘Lust, Caution’. Hard to believe it was her debut film. It’s unfair & such a pity that she has been banned in China. Hopefully, directors in other countries will see her potential & grant her quality film roles. Can’t wait to see her in another film. Please continue to keep us posted of her news! Thank you Jurgen & Marcy for the good read!
Thank you for supporting the lady! Yes, I believe she is fantastic although I have never seen the film myself. I do hope directors in other countries will cooperate with her in the future.(I am Chinese)
I completely agree with Lorraine about Tang Wei’s performance in Lust, Caution. It’s really difficult to believe that this is her first movie!!! I’m sure that some of the more accomplished actresses are unable to express the multiple layers of complex emotions that she has so successfully managed to express in the film. Kudos to her for being courageous enough to film those gruelling sex scenes in the movie, which really are necessary to the story ( and not gratuitious as some people make them out to be ). It is such a pity that China is unable to recognise the great talent that she has exhibited in the performing arts.
This event strongly displays the glaring difference between the sexes and how they are treated in China. The male actor was in ALL of the sex scenes with Tang Wei yet he was not punished at all. Why?
tang wei is the best actress i have seen. she is also the most beautiful actress i have seen. It is sad that bunch of old people in china making decision for someone else. that is why china is also behind. china need to see bigger picture instead of worry about movies.