'Cape No. 7' to open in China

Taiwanese hit gets mainland release

By CLIFFORD COONAN

Despite its contentious subject matter, Taiwanese B.O. sensation "Cape No. 7" will be released on the Chinese mainland, China Film Group said this week -- a sign of warming relations across the Strait of Taiwan.

"We are going through the procedures for 'Cape No. 7' right now. There is no problem about releasing this movie on the Chinese mainland. China Film Group will be the distributor for this film" on the mainland, said Yuan Wenqiang, general manager of the Import and Export Co. of China Film Group.

Pic, helmed by Wei Te-sheng, has been a major hit in Taiwan, with B.O. second only to "Titanic." "Cape No. 7" is about the romance between a Japanese teacher and a Taiwanese woman in the 1940s, when the island was occupied by Japan. Chinese authorities could have banned the pic based on its subject matter, but relations between Beijing and Taiwan are getting warmer since the election of Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou earlier this year.

Pic is hotly tipped to pick up numerous nods at next month's Chinese-language kudofest the Golden Horse Awards, following nine nominations last month. It is also Taiwan's entry in the foreign-language film Oscar race.

This week, Chen Yunlin, head of the informal Chinese government body that addresses relations with Taiwan, is visiting the self-ruled island for talks about building on improved ties.