Red Dawn….or Not?
In many ways the movie Red Dawn, released in 1984, was a tribute to America’s deep mistrust of the ‘commies’ or ‘reds.’ In those days, that meant fear of the Soviet Union. For those of you who haven’t seen the movie the plot goes something like this:
Russian commies invade the US–>They transform part of the US into a Communist prison–>Young American patriots fight back for control of their small town.
It is the quint-essential American film and was very popular during its day. The timing of the film could not have been better. It was released during the Reagan years amidst the rise neo-Conservative faction and billowing anti-Communist sentiment. For Americans, the film was an ego-boost for patriots.
Now, fast forward 25 years…..
MGM, seeking an easy buck, hoped to produce a re-make of Red Dawn. Naturally, the remake would involve youths rebelling against Communist oppressors as the first film had. But then came the question; who would be the Communist invaders? The U.S.S.R has faded into history books, and the successor state (Russia) simply does not strike fear in the hearts of Americans anymore (sorry comrades).
Just then, someone at MGM had a eureka moment. China! Of course, they’re commies too right? Every American fears China these days, we can simply remake the movie with a Chinese invasion instead!
The producers signed their names, and the film reels began rolling (not literally of course). It was finished, but then, word got to China about this new movie, a movie that depicted them as ruthless aggressors. The Chinese government condemned the film as proof that the United States sought to label them as an enemy; that the US was still holding a paranoid Cold-War mentality.
Here’s the kicker, Red Dawn was suddenly and mysteriously delayed. MGM claims that their current financial difficulties made it impossible for them to promote the film, thus they are waiting until their finances are in order before releasing it. However, new details have emerged that suggest this may not be the whole story.
It appears the folks at MGM have decided that the North Koreans make a better enemy than the Chinese. Now…how exactly do you change the very plot of a film after it had already been filmed? Well, reports indicate that they are re-shooting a few scenes while simultaneously going through and digitally changing every flag, every symbol, and every translation from Chinese to N. Korean.
Now, I admit that the original plot of the film would have been ludicrous to begin with. The idea of a Chinese invasion is laughable, not to mention the fact that China is not truly Communist. But now you have the makings of a terrible film, likely filled with numerous plot holes. An invasion by North Koreans?! You mean the country that cannot successfully launch a missile further than Japan? Let alone orchestrate a high-tech invasion of the world’s only true superpower on the other side of the planet?
Why the change in the first place? Why jeopardize a major film while MGM is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy? The answer is simple: Chinese pressure. The Chinese government and people do not want to be demonized (and should not). The outrage this film created in China was enough to place MGM on notice. Their executives asked: Do we release the film and risk the Chinese government banning all future MGM films in the world’s fastest-growing market? Or do we edit the film to placate them? Obviously they chose to go with the latter.
Now, I will pose a suggestion. Though largely overlooked in the media, this event is rather significant. Think about it, China’s economic and political influence is now large enough to force MGM to backtrack on a major film. This is something that the Soviet Union, the other great ‘superpower’ could never do. Does this mean that China has become more powerful and influential than the Soviet Union ever was?
From: http://politikalmatters.blogspot.com/
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