Tang Guoqiang is a Chinese actor best known for portraying historical figures in several films and television series. One of his more memorable roles include portraying Mao Zedong in "The Founding of a Republic" (Chinese: 建國大業), a 2009 Chinese propaganda film commissioned by China's film regulator to mark the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. Here Mao is treated to several revisions, appearing jovial, tolerant, and even permissive of some forms of capitalism, the latter being definitely out of character with the real Mao during the heydays of his revolution. Tang Guoqiang bears such a remarkable resemblance to the Communist Party leader that he has played Mao in at least ten other films.
Bruno Ganz played Adolf Hitler during the final ten days of his reign over Nazi Germany in "Downfall" (German: Der Untergang), a 2004 German war film directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel. The New Yorker film critic David Denby wrote that Ganz's performance was not just astounding, it's actually rather moving. By emphasizing the painfulness of Hitler's defeat Ganz made the dictator into a plausible human being. Other journalists in Germany were queasy about "humanizing" Hitler, and some wondered aloud whether it might be somehow dangerous to see him as a human being. Hitler was, after all, human being or not, an especially obnoxious, detestable specimen capable of cold ruthlessness and dispassionate brutality in determining the horrible fate of millions.
Lim Kay Tong has agreed to play the role of Lee Kuan Yew in the $2.8-million SG50 movie "1965", to be directed by Randy Ang. The vice-chairman of Singapore Film Society thinks Lim has the gravitas required of the role, but the actor is not without trepidations: "Because it's a real-life person, and it's Lee Kuan Yew. I hope he doesn't call me." Then again, Lee might not want to see the documentary, a film genre his son dissed so vehemently recently.
According to the author, Lee set out to soften the image, but the result was not an unqualified success: "... his official smile is not unlike that of a crocodile tenderly anticipating its prey." Looks like Lim Kay Tong has his job cut out for him.
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| Tang's Mao tip toeing through the tulips |
Bruno Ganz played Adolf Hitler during the final ten days of his reign over Nazi Germany in "Downfall" (German: Der Untergang), a 2004 German war film directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel. The New Yorker film critic David Denby wrote that Ganz's performance was not just astounding, it's actually rather moving. By emphasizing the painfulness of Hitler's defeat Ganz made the dictator into a plausible human being. Other journalists in Germany were queasy about "humanizing" Hitler, and some wondered aloud whether it might be somehow dangerous to see him as a human being. Hitler was, after all, human being or not, an especially obnoxious, detestable specimen capable of cold ruthlessness and dispassionate brutality in determining the horrible fate of millions.
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| Ganz's Hitler listening to the sound of music |
Lim Kay Tong has agreed to play the role of Lee Kuan Yew in the $2.8-million SG50 movie "1965", to be directed by Randy Ang. The vice-chairman of Singapore Film Society thinks Lim has the gravitas required of the role, but the actor is not without trepidations: "Because it's a real-life person, and it's Lee Kuan Yew. I hope he doesn't call me." Then again, Lee might not want to see the documentary, a film genre his son dissed so vehemently recently.
When Lee first saw himself on television, Josey tells us, he was momentarily shocked into silence. He was appalled at the fierce and unsmiling figure on the screen, clearly spoiling for a fight. "This was not the figure the political Lee wanted to present to the electorate," wrote Josey.
("No Man Is An Island", James Minchin, page 284)
According to the author, Lee set out to soften the image, but the result was not an unqualified success: "... his official smile is not unlike that of a crocodile tenderly anticipating its prey." Looks like Lim Kay Tong has his job cut out for him.