Quentin Tarantino refuses to recut 'Once upon a time' for China

In the wake of Chinese regulators pulling the plug of 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' just a week before its scheduled release, filmmaker Quentin Tarantino on Saturday, October 19, refused to recut the movie for the Chinese market. According to reports, the film followed heavy criticism after Bruce Lee's daughter Shannon Lee complained about the way her father, who was of Chinese descent, is portrayed in the film.

The controversy

What sparked the objection in China over the film 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' is when Cliff (Brad Pitt) is seen on a film set listening to Bruce Lee (played by Mike Moh) deliver a lengthy, boastful monologue about how much better of a fighter he is. Yet Cliff disbelieves and mocks him which is followed by a dual between the two, in which Cliff wins undermining the legendary martial arts icon. Shannon Lee called the portrayal of her father, "disheartening." On the other hand, according to news reports, Tarantino while publicizing the movie has said, "Bruce Lee was kind of an arrogant guy."

Read: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood release halted in China over Bruce Lee

Lee appeals to CNFA

According to reports, Lee appealed to China's National Film Administration demanding to change the way her father is depicted in the movie. However, Tarantino has refused to make any changes in the film, despite a stop on the film in China. 

Read: Once Upon A Time In Hollywood: Three facts about Tarantino's film

About the movie

'Once upon a time in Hollywood' is a comedy-drama film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film features an ensemble cast including Margot Robbie, Leonardo Di Caprio, Al Pachino, Bradd Pitt, Dakota Fanning among others. According to the IMDB, the film is based on the plot where "a faded television actor and his stunt double strive to achieve fame and success in the film industry during the final years of Hollywood's Golden Age in 1969 Los Angeles." The film is termed as 'Tarantino's ode to Hollywood' by movie experts, which is set in the summer of 1969. The plot revolves around a fading star (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double, Cliff (Brad Pitt).

Read: Roman Polanski's wife slams Quentin Tarantino

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