Oscar nominated filmmaker apologizes for ‘excessive children’ case

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Zhang Yimou faces fines and public criticism for violating China’s strict family planning rules. According to a CNN report, Yimou admitted to having three children with his wife, breaking the rule limiting urban couples to one child. Speaking on national television, Zhang apologized for having “excessive children.” Zhang’s case comes as China recently adopted new rules loosening the strict one-child policy. The filmmaker is known for his films “Red Sorghum,” “Hero,” and the Oscar-nominated “Raise the Red Lantern.” Zhang also directed the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Zhang’s breach of the policy has set off a firestorm among netizens who resent how the rich and famous in China defy rules and policies. But the filmmaker has defenders too. “He can afford to raise children and at least his children won’t endure hardships.”

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