New James Bond movie opens in China monday

(CRIENGLISH.com)
Updated: 2007-01-29 15:17

New Bond Daniel Craig arrives in Beijing [Photo: sohu.com]

"Casino Royale," the 21st James Bond movie produced in 45 years, will be the first today to screen on the Chinese mainland.

The movie was not cut in any way after the examination by the State Administration of Radio Film and TV (SARFT).

The entire production crew, including controversial new Bond Daniel Craig, Bond girl Eva Green, director Martin Campbell and producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, will attend premieres in Beijing today and in Shanghai tomorrow.

No "Black Monday" for James Bond

The new Bond movie chose to make its debut on Monday, confident of breaking the traditional box office "black Monday" curse with a high-profile promotion and its captivating story.

Besides the premieres in two big cities, the crew also plans to visit the Forbidden City and the Great Wall during its three-day journey in China. Film producer Michael Wilson has made special request: to watch the flag-raising ceremony in Tian'anmen Square.

The premiere on Monday is the first one of "Hollywood standard" to ever be held in China. The organizers invested a great deal in it and took careful considerations in the process and scene design to make it accord with the movie's style.

The high-profile new Bond movie is expected to be the first to rake in 100 million yuan at box office this year.

The ugliest James Bond--and the best?

The focus of the movie falls on British actor Daniel Craig, the controversial choice to play the new James Bond, replacing the popular Pierce Brosnan. Angry fans say he is too blond and ugly to serve in Her Majesty's Secret Service.

However, Craig decided not to step into Sean Connery's old shoes. He's brought the audience with a fresh new James Bond. "It's the first mission for Bond as an exclusive spy," said director Martin Campbell. "He has so much to learn. At first, he screws up with not much consideration. But in the end, he gradually becomes the Bond we have known for years."

"Craig's Bond is more real and human compared to old ones," he said.

"Casino Royale" has raked in over US$500 million at the box office since it opened globally in November of last year, making it the best-performing in one of the world's most successful movie franchises.

Spokespeople for MGM and Sony have said Daniel Craig would continue to play James Bond on his 22nd mission in 2008.