Setting a higher bar

Ye Chuanlong (www.nen.com.cn): Any drama concerning the only empress in Chinese history must respect its subject matter's historical background. In scenes where shots have been cropped from the neck down, many of the beautiful and elegant costumes utilized in the drama's production will sadly not be seen, and this really is a waste of money and a crying shame. This cropping has also led to the disfigurement of many scenes from the series.

Since the drama passed the official reviewing process on first viewing, why was it then suspended for several days to be cut and trimmed? If The Saga of Empress Wu Zetian is too candid in terms of its depiction of female characters' attire, then the majority of the other TV dramas featuring the series' central character also suffer the same affliction. Will these dramas too be edited?

The decision to crop the scenes below the neck may represent a compromise reached between TV producers and TV watchdogs. If this drama were to be banned, a move that would cost 300 million yuan ($48 million), it would represent a huge loss to the production's investors, but if the "raunchy" scenes were to remain, the authorities would likely feel uneasy. Thus an agreement was probably made to remove only the parts that were suspected of, or criticized for, obscenity.

This incident serves as a reminder to the authorities to be more careful in reviewing TV programs in the future, so as to avoid having to engage in editing work of such a ridiculous nature.

Yang Wenjie (www.lzbnews.com): As for whether females in the drama reveal too much of their cleavage, and whether the latest editing is too arbitrary, there might be various answers from a multitude of different perspectives. But as for the show itself, including the stars and investors involved, there is actually no sum loss. The publicity garnered from the suspension and editing interlude is pushing audience ratings higher and higher. It is even possible that investors may be delighted with the outcome of the controversy.

Taking a step back and looking at the issue in its entirety, if there are only complaints, without finally working out clear and consistent standards for reviewing TV programs, this industry will continue to operate in darkness and even chaos.

Zhao Long (Global Times): Every year, thousands of TV programs have to go through the country's reviewing process. Among the large number of films and TV series aired in China every year, it is not out of the ordinary that some will be edited. But since the show was pulled off the air and re-edited after it was first broadcast with approval, it has highlighted an apparent glitch in procedures, which has caused complications to the reviewing system.

It would be unrealistic to suggest abandoning the reviewing system, a move that could potentially cause chaos in the market. But the rules and practices followed in reviewing films and TV shows have been often questioned. The public holds various attitudes toward scenes where flesh is exposed on screen. Without a rating system in place, perhaps directors should internalize such a system and hold it in mind. Programs which are broadcast on public TV stations should set a higher bar, and meanwhile, those shown online can be subject to more relaxed standards.

Controversy surrounding this TV series reflects the confused mindset of the Chinese public in a time of transition. Perhaps we will encounter more such incidents in the future. Three decades ago, scenes of hugging and kissing were banned in Chinese-made films. It is, however, conceivable that we may see TV series with far more nudity in the future. History is full of changes. Those who are leading the trends should be possessed of vision and wisdom.

We hope that images that truthfully reflect the lifestyle of the Tang Dynasty can be shown in the future and that less controversy will surround China's program reviewing system.