2 of 6

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

opera and earth-spanning magnetic lines leading out into space itself. A white dove lands, a phoenix is reborn. Confucian disciples chanting the Analects, Buddhist Shaolin temple Fou drummers, Taoist tai chi masters who managed to make the very first, most basic chen form into something which linked heaven and earth, three forms of harmony spanning Bronze Age to modern, the structure of human society existing entirely to support its future, its children.

And always, again and again: dozens of ethnicities united, a thousand people moving as one to create something so much greater.

The ceremony was envisioned by Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, three time Academy Award nominee for "Best Foreign Language Film", working with the choreographer Zhang Jigang and the composer Tan Dun. This choice itself is a message to the world: for Zhang Yimou has been a victim of the Cultural Revolution and regular waves of political controversy which have at times restricted his ability to accept prizes and his international movements ... and yet the China of the Olympics shows itself able to look beyond the politics to acknowledge and support and finally showcase the perseverence, superlative talent, and sheer genius of this one of its many sons.

The Chinese soul transcends politics. A glitch of a few decades is still only that, a glitch. The politics of it are a hiccough in history. What is essential, endures.

Learn more about this author, Tenebris.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Best opening ceremonies of the summer Olympics?
We want to hear your view. Write now!