Our world is filled daily with the battles, sniping, wars, debates and arguments that reflect our cultural and political differences. Absorbing that much negatively daily is hazardous to our health…. LOL.
So last night, I abandoned everything to take in the Olympic opening ceremony in Beijing. Words fail… I was mesmerized, and brought to tears more than once with the magnificent beauty and precision of the presentations involving casts numbering 2008. I tell you now, if you missed this spectacular event, comb the broadcasts for a replay. You will not regret it.
Beijing pulled out all the stops and put on the most unique, and inspiring opening ceremony I’ve ever seen. One would expect the advanced fireworks from China. But the Bird’s Nest arena with it’s huge image projection screen, combined with the amazing technologies the Chinese used in each of their segments, was nothing less than jaw dropping. The thousands of citizen artists performed with such exacting precision, you would have thought they were computer driven. Between the manpower and technology, it took Buzby Berkley staging to unimaginable heights for visual entertainment. Even the traditional lighting of the torch, kept under wraps from the press, was awe inspiring.
China’s flag was carried by their 7’1″ basketball star, Yao Ming. At his side, marched 9 year old Lin Hao – a survivor of the earthquake in Sichuan province, and a hero in his own right. He lost 20 of his 30 classmates. He got out of the building, but returned not once, but twice, to rescue two more of his classmates. It was yet another visual of the contrasts (i.e. yin/yang) in the Asian culture.. the dark and the light, the dynamics of sound, the sweet or plaintive strains of the music, contrasted with the intense pounding of the ancient drums. And here, the tall and the short.
This picture from Sina English news site.
If China wanted to reintroduce itself to the world, it has certainly gotten off to a great start. Yes, the realities of their communist government and human rights abuses still remain. But for four and a half, all too brief, shining hours last night, they… as a collective nation… gave the world a gift of elegance, creativity, and the joy that can only come when athletes converge from all over the world to engage in civil and spirited competition.
Oh but the Olympic spirit could last 24/7.
Below a few samples of the presentations. However do not miss a visit to The Boston Globe’s pictorial today to see even more. Here’s more Olympics FAQs on the ceremony and venues.
And more photos at Beijing’s BIMC news site.
The dancer below is elevated on a mat, carefully borne by hundreds.
Vietnam era Navy wife, indy/conservative, and an official California escapee now residing as a red speck in the sea of Oregon blue.
No question, it was a stunning show. Stunning doesn’t come close to doing justice to it – it was unbelievable.
I’ve seen on different blogs that the British are going ape, asking, “How the f*** are we going to follow that up in 2012 when the Games come to London?”
It’s true that without masses of cheap labor, it’s just not possible. The commentation on last night’s show said that the show has been in full-time rehearsal for at least 8 months. How can anyone afford that in a Western country.
I have to admit, I would not want to be the host city/nation to follow that. I believe it was Bob Costas who said they would be “retiring the bar” after this show.
The costumes alone must have been astronomical work, and they depended heavily on their textile industry there. The lighted men in bright green? They were wearing black not but a week before. It was changed at last minute, and 2007 more costumes added.
Even could the Brits gather this kind of man power – of which no Chinese performer did double duty, BTW… – could they match their precision? This is a culture where tai chi is a regular daily routine. They are used to knowing their proximity to each other at every moment, and accustomed to working as a single unit. I do believe this is a presentation that is limited to China, or only a few other select cultures.
The Brits will have to come up with what is uniquely theirs.
Stunning and awesome where words that came to mind. Absolutely beautiful in HD. I wonder if it would be as amazing in regular T.V. Just the syncronization alone was astounding.
Considering my work in the film sound biz had me accustomed to watching theatre sound as the norm in that era, it’s almost embarrassing to admit that since I retired from that biz, I don’t have an HD set up in my own home. The sound, yes… the picture? Not yet.
But I can tell you, jainphx, that even in standard NTSC broadcast, it was beyond words. I can only imagine that in HDTV, it had even more of an impact. This is a ceremony I wouldn’t mind owning in DVD… even the Parade of Nations.
It is truly awesome what the borg can achieve as a group.
It’s amazing what slave labor and dictatorship can achieve when they put their minds and unlimited funds to it.
I admit it was quite a show. Reminiscent of the 1936 Olympics in many ways.
Mata,
Setting aside the political ramifications of hosting the Olympic Games in Beijing – the opening ceremony was truly awe inspiring. I kept thinking the organizing committee’s for Vancouver, London and Sochi are wondering how on earth are they going to top this spectacle!
Oh, If anyone is interested Vancouver is now accepting volunteer applications for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
I’m sorry to be a total wet blanket, but we started to watch it and got kind of creeped out at the beginning performance with the men’s light show…it was just a little too synchronized–more like robots!
I love the picture of the dancer, so sure I’d like some of the performances if I had watched more. And, I wasn’t aware of some of the background stories of survival either as that kind of knowledge always makes any work of art more meaningful. I’m sure it was spectacular for sure, and I usually really appreciate artistic expression very much. I just couldn’t get past the beginning. Guess I’ll have to rent or buy the DVD should it come out and try again!
Sorry Mata, but thanks for the great pics and background info!!
Even while marvelling at the effort and manpower that went into this performance, I couldn’t help but recollect the overdone hyper-national olympic openings of the past, most notably the Berlin Olympics of the 30s. While the announcers repeatedly told us how this signalled China’s opening up to the world, I couldn’t help but feel that the thousands of drummers, the goose-stepping soldiers, and the biggest this and biggest that were meant to convey a sense of power and dominance… rather than welcome and embrace.
So take Hitler’s Olympics, add in a dash of Cold War medal-racing… and I’m really not sure what’s going to come out of China next.
SoCal Christ and Eddie…
I think you both missed a grand opportunity to enjoy beauty, exquisite artistry and all the discipline that artistry requires. If I may pose a suggestion here, and it’s not meant to insult.
I suspect that you forgot to “check your politics at the door”, so to speak. Take for example SoCal’s statement:
If you thought about it Chris, would you feel that way watching a precision US military drill team? Or perhaps a large theatre cast working either in unison, or in detailed timing off each other’s movements? How about college and high school band half time shows? Or perhaps Cirque de Soleil? How about the NY Philharmonic or the ballet troupes? All require this discipline and precision.
What I’m saying is all these segments entailed utilizing a cast of 2008… to note the year of the event… and required either precise unison. Or… such as the case as the “boxes” raising and lowering like a computer keyboard, creating shapes… precise timing between each performers movements. This is no easy task, and the aerial overheads – ala Buzby Berkely old films – created animated shapes and effects.
Most artistry is comprised of such discipline. i.e., those guys in the boxes were so perfect, you would have thought it was computerized. Actually, they practiced that for four months straight, eight hours a day. Never once did they get it perfect… until the eve of the opening ceremony. And the audience did not know, until the end when they popped their heads out, that is was humans, working together to create that effect.
Eddie, INRE your comment:
Again, I think it’s sorta a result of not “checking your politics at the door”. As the Chinese leadership and director said, one thing China has a lot of as an asset is people. The numbers of 2008 held significance, and they have the population to not only do this… but so many citizens felt privileged and involved by being able to perform. Not one of these large scale presentations had a repeat performer, so many Chinese were able to appear in the ceremony. It is a pride and joy they will remember for a life time. And well they should.
The Asian culture is a study in opposites. Yin and yang. There was power… like the ancient drums. Then contrasted with gentleness and grace… the 2008 tai chi performers surrounding the children. Or the dancer with slow, deliberate and graceful movements, being gently borne by hundreds on a huge moving mat.
As far as the goose stepping, I know it always brings to mind German troops. However that is a common march style among many nations. In fact, when I was in high school, we used the same style, but faster, called “hitch kicking” for effect. It’s a tough thing to keep up, and certainly provides a more visual impact than what you are used to for marching. But again, this is a visual, bringing up other memories you find offensive. Yet they should not be equated.
I’m not trying to change either of your opinions, mind you. Just thought I’d add some food for thought that perhaps you allowed a subconscious judgment get in the way of what was pure artistry of the highest level.
Sounds like the same blabbering awe directed toward the obamessiah.
China has probably killed more Christians than any country in the history of the world,
but they put on a super carnival act and everything is a-ok
Don’t be an anal bore, Edward Cropper. No one said their politics was “a-ok”. I reiterate from my post:
So slow your ass down and read before typing. There was nothing political about this post. Period. I might as well have been sharing a stellar performance of the Air Force Band of the West, or the London Symphony.
I don’t give the People’s Republic of China credit for the performance artistry any more than I give Obama, McCain or Bush credit for the artistry of the Joffrey Ballet. Kudos for the opening ceremony goes to the director, Zhang Yimou, and those that performed… the individuals of China. None of whom have any say in the government.
Needless to say, you are falling far short of your self-composed blogger profile, stating you are “conservative and open minded”. For gawd’s sake, lighten up a little. If you always associate your politics with everything you see, there will be *no* beauty for you to enjoy in the world surrounding you.
Expand your horizons, and look around … see some of the beauty in life as reflected in the individuals of the world – not the politicians. Rejoice in the the richness different cultures – not politics – bring to life. Just every once in a while.
BTW, if you liken this to a “carnival”, you are truly starved for exposure to quality performance art. And if you think I am anything close to an Obamatron, you must be really new here.
Get your head out of your ass, the whole Olympic process is all political. Your phony protestations and call for seeking beauty are so much BS to say the least.
But for four and a half, all too brief, shining hours last night, they… as a collective nation… gave the world a gift of elegance, creativity, and the joy that can only come when athletes converge from all over the world to engage in civil and spirited competition.
And their untold thousands held in bondage suffered while you and other seekers of elegance and creativity relaxed in comfort in front of your TV’s.
Get *your* head out of your pompous ass, Edward. “Phony protests” indeed. Who the hell are you to judge what I appreciate in life.
The games are only political to you and those who think like you. To others, they are a time to see the finest, and most amazing athletes from around the world compete. A time when individuals from many nations, often at odds politically, personally interact with civility and mutual respect.
…except the Iranian leadership, of course, who pulled their athlete from a swimming match since he drew to compete against Israel. That was one athlete who was not thrilled. For *him*, it ended up being political… but not by his choice. But then Iran and the Olympics… a history there of politics over competition. However they are not the norm of the hundreds of nations and Olympians present.
The athletes, and those that attend and follow the Olympics are not your clone…. so narrow minded that everything is viewed thru a political prism. In fact, most of our own nation isn’t fixated on politics every waking moment.
Many enjoy a life that includes museums or concerts, and see/hear artists from other “bondage” nations. All without lumping them into the same mud pit as the political leadership.
Those “untold thousands held in bondage” were not responsible for the IOC selecting Beijing as the site for the 2008 summer games. But those performers were proud to be a part of that ceremony. It will be a highlight of their lives, and they should take pride in their astounding performance. That you have no appreciation for it diminishes it not. You merely diminish yourself, and reveal your tunnel vision on the world.
You must be a real barrel of laughs as a personality… Too many wedgies as a child, I guess.