Olympics

I feared the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It wasn't like I didn't think China couldn't pull it off, it was just I didn't want Zhang Yimou to mess it up like he did the closing ceremony of the Athens games back in 2004. Those of us who saw it remember the horror of watching him rape and destroy the beauty of Chinese culture by transforming it into something cheap and ugly. Here are a few pictures to remind you of the ghastly event.

Remember the really lame Kung Fu? I never knew someone could make something as beautiful and exciting as Kung Fu look gay, but some how Zhang Yimou managed to do it.

And what about this? I wonder what yellow movie he was watching when he came up with this glorious idea. He was probably sitting around with his friends, drinking beer, and watching some young girls stripping at some bar when he said: "You know, I should do something like this at the end of the games. Only I'll dress up the strippers in short skirts disguised as traiditional clothes and put instruments in their hands. That would be HOT!"

Now this was a great idea. Let's put a little girl on top of a giant lantern and then blow it up! The look on that terrified girl's face sparked anger and outrage in China and around the rest of the world.

But to be honest, I think Zhang Yimou needed this to fail. Why? Well, he needed to have his ego checked before stepping in the most important role of his career--directing the opening ceremony of the Olympic games. Had this been highly praised, then his ego would have skyrocketed to epic porporations and the 2008 opening would have been a disaster.

Instead, what we got, was something amazing. Zhang Yimou managed to create something beautiful and everlasting. On August 8th, he created, without question, the most grad opening ceremony in living history. He didn't just do that with a bunch of girls in short skirts lip singing to a soundtrack, but by creating live art, amazing dances, and mind boggling effects. On several occassions during the event I found myself wondering, HOW THE HELL ARE THEY DOING THAT?! THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE!

But Zhang Yimou made the impossible possible. I know China spent well over 300 million dollars on the opening, but man, did they spend their money well! One report I heard from an American journalist was the reaction the designer of the British opening ceremony gave--by bowing his head in shame. I can't say I blame him, because how can you surpass perfection?

I don't think they can. Here are a few pictures of the event!

Who can forget the drums? This was beyond cool. The light effects, the countdown to the ceremony, and then the song at the end. The only way to describe this moment was WOW.

And what about this part. To be honest, this was one of my favorite parts. That ball was awesome. I like how the people ran around it like flames when it became the sun. The only problem with this part, of course, was what was on top of the ball. Sara Brightman looked stunning, while her Chinese counter-part looked like he he rushed to the games after oversleeping! Seriously, would have killed China to spend a little money on getting that guy a suit?! Other than that very small compliant...this part was great!

And of coures, the fireworks. Keep in mind that China told the world that this was going to be a green olympics--but doesn't shooting a lot of fireworks CREATE pollution? The air smells like gas and all that paper is going to fall to the ground, right? Oh well, who cares, it looked stunning!

In Closing, I think China should be damn proud of themsevles for pulling off a great show and a highly successful Olympics. China, without question, has made that grand leap to the global stage! And besides that, they're kicking everyone's ass as they get one gold medal after the other. CHINA, CHINA, CHINA!


Oh, and America is doing a good job to.