Photo Gallery Chinese Blockbuster Comes to Berlin
Several of Zhang's earlier films remain banned in China. But he has since focused more on historical films -- and been accused of becoming closer to the Chinese communist regime. British actor Christian Bale, seen here, stars in his new film, called "The Flowers of War."
The film, about the World War II massacre in Nanjing, perpetrated by the Japanese, is the most expensive Chinese movie ever made. Bale plays a fictional American who became caught up in the real-life tragedy.
Zhang Yimou with Christian Bale. "China's younger generation doesn't know much about the events in Nanjing," Zhang says, something he noticed while working on the film. "But almost everyone here knows 'Schindler's List.' Hollywood movies have a big influence on us in China. What we need to do now is further develop our own film industry. We need to produce films that Chinese people want to see -- and of course foreign audiences as well."
