Vicki Zhao attends the Burberry Womenswear SS15 show during London Fashion Week at Kensington Gardens on September 15, 2014 in London, England. (Photo : Grettyimages/Gareth Cattermole)
Actor-turned-director Vicki Zhao has faced wide criticism following her decision of casting Taiwanese actor Leon Dai in her next romantic movie.
Backed by Alibaba Pictures, "No Other Love" is all set to release with Dai as the lead actor. This has sparked the fire of political influence over the entertainment industry. The Communist Youth League has used its website as well as its social media account to tell the masses what it is intended to do. The Chinese nationalists, on Weibo, have called for boycotting the movie. It also attempted to justify its move online.
On its website, the league claimed that Dai allegedly supported Taiwanese independence. In addition to boycotting Zhao's movie, the nationalists have also demanded slamming other films featuring Dai. Hollywood Reporter revealed that the league has initiated the social media campaign over the past week.
The online campaign also claimed that Dai is a supporter of the Umbrella Movement, a pro-democracy revolution led by Hong Kong. The claims have been made by the political organization in an article titled "Zhao Wei's New Film Met with Universal Boycott by Internet Users." Both the issues backed by the Taiwanese actor among those affecting the Chinese Communist Party directly or indirectly.
One of the users, believed to be the fan of Dai, commented on Weibo relating to the controversy. "The state interests come before idol worship. I have liked you for many years, but you should have known better," the person wrote.
"No Other Love" is in its post-production phase and Zhao might face troubles in releasing and grabbing audiences for it after such political controversy.
Taiwan has remained a self-ruling province since 1949. It was the times when people left Mainland China, now called the People's Republic of China. According to Variety, the Communist party won a civil war in the mainland while Taiwanese turned into a rebel province after leaving the place. PRC has claimed several times that the province will be reunited if required no matter what force to be applied.
The victory of Tsai Ing-Wen as Taiwan's President in May has added to the tension between the two sides. On the other hand, an accidental firing in June from Taiwan ignited the fuel again.
The political controversy and ongoing China-Taiwan unseen battle have affected Vicki Zhao directed "No Other Love," despite the movie having no connections with any political issue in any manner.
SPH Razor uploaded a video featuring critics' views on which of the two actresses, Charlie Yeung or Vicki Zhao, is a better and promising director.
Let's have a look at the opinions:
