Reel 282

1986. Bryan Brown, John Stanton, Joan Chen; dir. Daryl Duke. 127m. (R) $79.98. Vestron. Image: good. Tai-Pan bears the distinction of being the first American film shot in mainland China, and one can only imagine the dictums that must have been handed down before permission for filming was granted: "China must be portrayed in only the most civilized light. The Chinese people must be presented as an advanced and dignified race. We must be allowed to watch the filming of any scenes featuring bare breasts." And so began, one might imagine, the filming of James Clavell's Tai-Pan. The result is a faintly scummy historical melodrama featuring Bryan (F/X) Brown as a Scottish pioneer who embraces the Oriental way while greedily promoting Hong Kong's opium-fueled economy for personal gain. Pompous smarm at its worst. —John Walker

The Bejing Emperor's residence.

Life on China's Liajiang River.

CHINA HISTORY:

127m. (R) $79.98. Vestron. Image: good. Tai-Pan bears the distinction of being the first American film shot in mainland China, and one can only imagine the dictums that must have been handed down before permission for filming was granted: "China must be portrayed in only the most civilized light. The Chinese people must be presented as an advanced and dignified race. We must be allowed to watch the filming of any scenes featuring bare breasts." And so began, one might imagine, the filming of James Clavell's Tai-Pan. The result is a faintly scummy historical melodrama featuring Bryan (F/X) Brown as a Scottish pioneer who embraces the Oriental way while greedily promoting Hong Kong's opium-fueled economy for personal gain. Pompous smarm at its worst. —John Walker

The Bejing Emperor's residence.

Life on China's Liajiang River.

dir. Daryl Duke. 127m. (R) $79.98. Vestron. Image: good.

The Bejing Emperor's residence.

Life on China's Lijiang River.

series: CHINA HISTORY; (7)