'Foreign' presence stirs up controversy

By Liu Wei (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-09-02 09:09

"I will not take any foreign citizenship," said director Chen Kaige in an emotional speech at the Huabiao Film Awards last weekend. "I never did that. To promote the Chinese culture as a Chinese citizen is dignified."

Chen was defending himself at the awards amid citizen controversy surrounding many of the stars in The Founding of a Republic.

Recently, well-known writer Han Han posted online a list of Chinese actors who had given up their Chinese nationality and become foreigners, saying that seven of them were in Founding.

The article soon made a stir on the Internet.

Nobody explored the validity of the list and many netizens didn't seem to care.

However, they are not happy that some actors in this highly anticipated film, which is a tribute to the founding of the People's Republic of China, are not Chinese at all.

"Friends from all over the world take the trouble to help our nation shoot such a mainstream movie. What spirit!" says one sarcastic netizen.

Another commentator used stronger language.

"The establishment of the People's Republic of China needs support from foreigners," he wrote.

"If you like to change your nationality and do it, nothing to blame, but please do not claim that you still love this country deeply.

"This is sick and a betrayal of your oath to your new country."

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