IN BRIEF (Page 22)

The watch begins

It may have been the fantasy of many Chinese fans to hang out with the human and animal characters from the Hollywood blockbuster Night at the Museum series, and the occasion came just as last year was ending.

Monkey King 2 finds 'plump' seductress in Gong Li

As one of the most evil enchantresses in Chinese literature, White Skeleton Demon is depicted as a skinny, young beauty in the classic book Journey to the West. But in the latest Monkey King movie, the second in a series based on the novel, she is given an unconventional screen image.

Liu Jiang now attempts movie gig on marriage theme

In 2013, the TV drama Let's Get Married became popular because it touched on the topic of sheng nyv or "leftover" women, a controversial term in China that refers to women who remain single at what is seen as an inappropriate age. This year, a movie by the same name will also be released.

Making a clean breast of it

The much talked about cut of the first Chinese empress' bust has not only not died down, it has also created a buzz abroad.

Slimmed-down American Idol back for season 14

American Idol is practicing addition and subtraction in its 14th season.

Downton Abbey's Leech has gift for any gab

Downton Abbey star Allen Leech has a winning way with accents.

Cinco de Cuba

Even in winter, the atmosphere at Caribeno is warm, thanks to brilliantly colored murals with palm trees and the eager faces of staff members with ethnic roots in the Caribbean, Spain and Africa.

Eat Beat

Beijing

Path to inner calm

There was a time when Zhao Defa was famous for his stories about life and politics in rural China. But these days, readers find the author more at home with his so-called "culture novels".

Book shines light on fun, fragile times of Bob Hope

At one time, Bob Hope was the hottest thing in comedy, a fresh face with a fresh delivery. Really.

A uygur scholar tells about passion for Chinese language

At 64, Azat is the president of the Federation of Literary and Art Circles in the XinjiangUygur autonomous region. Culture and ArtWeekly recently published an essay inwhich he recalled his lifelong friendship with Chinese language and literature. The following are excerpts.