Pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand have called on Movies to boycott the live-action remake of Disney’s “Mulan” – the film’s biggest release since its production was stopped by the coronavirus epidemic.
Controversy erupted around the movie set in China after the lead actress, Liu Yefi, Last August Gust shared a post supporting the Hong Kong Police on the Chinese social media site Weibo.
“I also support the Hong Kong police. You can defeat me now,” the Chinese-born American actress wrote in Mandarin. “What a shame for Hong Kong,” he added in English.
Lingu was apparently declaring the brutality of the protesters after the televised incident went viral, in which a Mainland Chinese journalist was attacked at an airport in Hong Kong. But his remarks have sparked outrage among pro-democracy activists, who have repeatedly accused the police of using excessive force in the area.
His “Mulan” co-star Donnie Yen was also criticized by activists after he posted a comment on Facebook in July celebrating the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China from British colonial rule.
The comments caused a stir on social media with the introduction of the #boycottmullan hashtag, which gained popularity over the weekend upon the film’s release. This, in turn, became a huge part # Milkatia Aliens The hashtag on Friday, which has united some pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand. It has been named the sweet drink popular in those countries.
Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua WangOn Friday, it called for a boycott of the movie, which will hit Chinese theaters later this month. In the United States, it will leave theaters directly on the Disney + streaming service due to the epidemic.
“Because Disney lets go of Beijing, and because Liu Yifi openly and proudly supports police brutality in Hong Kong, I urge everyone who believes in human rights. #Boycottmoolan, “He wrote on Twitter.
He added that Hollywood was “betraying” its values by “wanting to be a champion.”
Disney, Liu and Yen have been contacted by NBC News for comment.
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According to pro-democracy activists, anti-government protests erupted in June after China announced a national security law for the city and intensified in June.
The law has been widely condemned in the West and President Donald Trump has been asked to impose economic sanctions on Hong Kong and, in the strained relations between the two countries, to convict Chinese officials for human rights violations.
Nearby Thailand, where anti-government youth-led protests have seen unprecedented calls for monarchical reform, and many protesters imitating the “finger games” film sign – adopting a three-finger salute – have also called for a boycott. “Mulan.”
Urging people to stay away from the film, which premiered in Thai cinemas on Friday, 28-year-old netizen Ben Muangwong told NBC News: “
“Hollywood can’t be separated from politics, people around the world are watching what they do,” said Netwit Chotifat Faisal, 23.
“The Chinese threat is real, it affects people in many ways,” a Hong Kong-based student activist told NBC News, citing environmental concerns in Hong Kong and issues surrounding China’s economic statement.
Based on a Chinese legend, “Mulan” tells the story of a fierce heroine who disguises herself as a man to join the army to save her sick father and honor her family. In 1998, Disney released an animated version of the film.
“Disney’s Asian market is undeniable,” said Dr. Wing-Fi Leung, an expert in Chinese film and media industry at King’s College London. Political controversy. “
However, the theme “Mulan” in mainland China received more than 410 million hits on the social media platform Weibo, with many saying they were eager to see the movie.
“There is no doubt that I see Mulan many times and it is more for not only the heroine Mulan, but also to support the Hong Kong police,” user @ navojiujiaoxiajiao haole wrote on Weibo Friday.
However, some criticized the costumes and portrayal of Chinese culture, while others lamented that a Hollywood studio was making a film about a Chinese legend and preparing the national film industry for losing the opportunity.
“I don’t think I would like to see Mulan. From directors to actors, who is a Chinese citizen?” A user named Dexia Security wrote on Weibo. Adding, “All Chinese people should be patriotic and prudent and do their best to help our country boycott the US.”
Don Liu, Justin Solomon, Ed Flanagan and Eric Bekulinao Contributed.
