Jackie Chan at Cannes Film Festival May 19, 2008. Photo by PR Photos
Jackie Chan, star of Rush Hour, isn’t sure if freedom is a good thing.
“I’m not sure if it’s good to have freedom or not. I’m really confused now. If you’re too free, you’re like the way Hong Kong is now. It’s very chaotic. Taiwan is also chaotic.
“I’m gradually beginning to feel that we Chinese need to be controlled. If we’re not being controlled, we’ll just do what we want.” — dfw.com
Chan was participating in a panel at the annual Boao Forum when he was asked to discuss censorship and restrictions on filmmakers in China. He didn’t confine his answer to the making of movies. He expanded his comments to include society. The predominantly Chinese audience of business leaders in China’s southern island province of Hainan applauded, of course.
“He’s insulted the Chinese people. Chinese people aren’t pets,” Hong Kong pro-democracy legislator Leung Kwok-hung told The Associated Press. “Chinese society needs a democratic system to protect human rights and rule of law.”
Another lawmaker, Albert Ho, called the comments “racist,” adding: “People around the world are running their own countries. Why can’t Chinese do the same?” — dfw.com
I don’t think I could laugh at Jackie Chan’s silly movies now.
-Thomas
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