Utter Confucian

If Confucius could see the controversy his name is generating more than 2,400 years after his death, the epitome of peace and good manners would probably say: "Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated."

Earlier this month, actor Pu Cunxin said he refused to play the philosopher in a biopic because of issues with the script. He also called on everyone to fight the idea of showing Confucius as a martial arts practitioner.

Hu Mei, the film's director, responded by saying she never invited Pu to play the role. She also claimed her leading character would not be made to show kungfu moves. But according to historical records, she says, the revered thinker did know how to drive a carriage, was good at archery, and was a war commander.