The US blockbuster "The Da Vinci Code" will be screened in
Beijing New Century Cinema on May 17, two days ahead of its world
release.
The film will also open this year's Cannes Film Festival, six hours
after the show begins in China.
"The Da Vinci Code" is the US director Ron Howard's
125-million-dollar screen version of Dan Brown's best-selling book,
which stars Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou. The story tells of Jesus
marrying Mary Magdalene and having a child by her whose descendants
are still alive today.
"The film passed the approval of China's state film
administration without any problems," said a spokesman from the
Beijing office of the Colombia Distribution Co. Ltd.
A member of staff at the Beijing New Century Cinema said an
international film star would be attending the screening but
refused to reveal his or hers identity.
"The Da Vinci Code" has sparked controversy over its
"sacrilegious" story and has met opposition from many countries
worldwide. Some religious groups in India have called on people to
protest against the movie. Singapore's national film administration
listed the film into grade NC-16, saying the film is not suitable
for children without discretion. In Britain, the film was forced to
make changes in its music and sound effects so that "children aged
under 12 could watch the film accompanied by their parents".
In contrast, "The Da Vinci Code" has not encountered any
difficulties in China. Several local cinemas in Beijing have all
reported good sales ahead of the release.
(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2006)
