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Taiwan ‘proud’ of
Oscar winner Lee
By Jake Chung / Staff writer, with agencies
President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) sent his congratulations to Oscar winner Ang Lee
(李安), saying Taiwan was “proud” and urging others to follow his example and
boost the nation’s international image.
“I thank Ang Lee and all film industry people who have made an effort for
Taiwan. I’d like to encourage everyone to work hard at promoting Taiwan to the
world and to keep an international outlook,” Ma said.
In recognition of Lee’s expression of thanks to Taiwan and Greater Taichung at
the Oscars ceremony on Sunday night, Taichung Mayor Jason Hu (胡志強) said
yesterday that the city would bestow honorary citizenship on Lee.
“I could not make this movie without the help of Taiwan. We shot there,” the
58-year-old director said on Sunday.
The speech in Los Angeles was played over and over on local news channels, with
TV stations calling Lee the “Glory of Taiwan.”
Pingtung-born Lee’s success sparked an enthusiastic response from social media
users.
“Just watching Ang Lee walk up to the stage had me shed a few tears, and when he
mentioned the word ‘Taiwan’ I totally turned on the waterworks,” one person
wrote on micro-blogging service Plurk.
Lee also sent special thanks to Taichung, where the majority of Life of Pi
(少年PI的奇幻漂流) was filmed.
Hu said in a statement that Lee’s Oscar win showed Taiwan’s ability “to do many
things well,” adding: “Taiwan deserves this.”
The movie included scenes filmed using a wave machine – currently the world’s
largest – built in what used to be Greater Taichung’s Shueinan Airport. The city
government also contributed NT$50 million (US1.6 million) to the film’s
production costs.
Hu said that Lee was “a man of his word,” saying that he spoke to him on the
telephone prior to the ceremony, and that Lee had said that he would definitely
mention the city if he won.
Hu also said that Taiwan should show its appreciation of Lee, adding that he
would be giving him honorary citizenship of Taichung.
Hu said people should be glad that a movie made by a Taiwanese director has
enjoyed such global success, adding that he was certain more Taiwanese films
would appear on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Shih Jing-wen (石靜文), head of the municipality’s Government
Information Office, said Lee’s movie was worthy of respect.
Shih lauded the success of Life of Pi and said it had given the city government
great confidence.
After his win, Lee encouraged other Asian and non-US filmmakers to strive for
success in Hollywood.
“I think sometimes this disadvantage can be an advantage. The fact that I come
from another culture makes me special,” he said.
In a post-acceptance press conference, Lee played up the film’s cosmopolitan
crew.
“Ninety percent of the movie was shot in Taiwan. They gave us financial and
physical help, but this was really an international film. I feel this film
belonged to the world,” he said.
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