Actress Miles From China

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Actress Miles From China

If you've ever been tempted to think your acting career was tough, consider actress Tang Wei.

The Chinese actress had a big breakthrough with Ang Lee's "Lust, Caution," in which she plays a spy during World War II.

However, now the State Administration of Radio Film and Television (SARFT) has banned her because of her role in that movie.

Reports as to the reason behind the ban are in part because of graphic sex scenes in the movie. However, the main reason is that the movie is supposedly a “glorification of traitors and insulting to patriots.”

In the movie, Tang's character seduces a Chinese intelligence official collaborating with the occupying Japanese forces in Shanghai during World War II.

Instead of setting him up for execution, Tang's character allows the official to escape.

Chinese authorities censured officials for allowing the movie's release. Several officials were believed to have been fired or disciplined over the incident.

Online discussions about the movie and Tang herself have been deleted from the Internet in China, and her name no longer appears in Chinese Google searches.

Additionally, Chinese awards shows have been advised to exclude Tang and the movie's producers.

Ang Lee, who directed the movie and cast Tang himself, was dismayed by the crackdown. Lee had personally cut seven minutes of sex scenes from the film to ensure it could be shown in Chinese theaters.

“I am very disappointed that Tang Wei is being hurt by this decision. She gave one of the greatest performances in a movie that was properly produced and distributed. We will do everything to support her.”

Just something to think about the next time you don't land that big role you wanted. At least you haven't been banned and blacklisted in your home country.

Gina Wilhelm Actress