Dammit, missed the Chunjie Wanhui (again)

Joel Martinsen, one of my favorite commentators on the Chinese cultural scene, has a great post over at Danwei on the evidently disastrous CCTV Gala this year. I was blessedly spared watching it this year, though in plenty of years past I've been in sneer-and-groan sessions. That's just not any fun for me, but that's the stage that China's going through now. Allegations of plagiarism, flubbed lines, and political ineptitude aside--all that's detailed by Joel in his post--the whole "Whither Chunwan" question must be utterly confounding for CCTV programming directors. It's a relic of a simpler, pre-snarky age in China, and certainly ain't compelling content for younger urbanites. But they can't make the thing inaccessible to the vast majority of viewers out there, who still look forward, even to the costumed minority dance numbers, and who are genuinely entertained. Chunwan's really become something of a marker of the great cultural divide in China. I do pity the folks who have to put the thing together every year.

Comments

[Ran Ren]

there've been hot discussions on the "black 3 mins in Chunwan" on the web. You should watch that clip... quite embarrassing. I do agree Chunwan represents the culture divide in China. But however, there's still over 92% watching rate which illustrates that Chunwan is actually a cultural element in Chunjie recent years.

[John Biesnecker]

I watched it with my in-laws this year, and there was about 20 minutes of interesting content in the entire four hours broadcast. Even Zhao Benshan's skit wasn't very funny, and everything that man does is gold. I was disappointed.

[kaiserkuo]

Yeah, the Song Dandan/Zhao Benshan skits are xiaopin are usually the highlight for me. Sad to hear that he wasn't funny this year.

[Micah]

The Da Bing contextual cellphone ads beat out Zhao Benshan by a mile. Great way to start the show. It was all pretty much downhill from there, though.

Another review:

http://slumsofshaolin.blogspot.com/2007/02/chinese-new-years-tv-spectacular.html

[buy generic viagra]

I find the Asian culture just amazing, they are like a different race in this planet, so respectful, polite, and willing to help other.

[peoria medical marijuana]

There have been few discussions on the "black 3mins in Chunwan" on the web, better check it out.