Casino Royale, the 21st James Bond movie produced in 45 years, will have its first screening today on the Chinese mainland.

 

The movie was not cut in any way after examination by the State Administration of Radio, Film, and TV (SARFT).

 

Daniel Craig arrived in Beijing yesterday.

The entire production crew, including controversial new "Bond" Daniel Craig, Bond girl Eva Green, director Martin Campbell, and producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, will attend premieres in Beijing today and in Shanghai tomorrow.

 

No "Black Monday" for James Bond

 

The new Bond movie chose to make its debut on Monday, confident of breaking the traditional box office "Black Monday" curse with a high-profile promotion and its captivating story.

 

In addition to the premieres in two big cities, the crew also plans to visit the Forbidden City and the Great Wall during its three-day journey in China. Film producer Michael Wilson has made a special request to watch the flag-raising ceremony in Tian'anmen Square.

 

The premiere on Monday is the first of "Hollywood standard" to ever be held in China. The organizers invested a great deal of effort and took careful consideration in the process and scene design to make sure the premiere matched the movie's style.

 

The high-profile new Bond movie is expected to be the first to rake in 100 million yuan at the box office this year.

 

The ugliest James Bond--and the best?

 

The focus of the movie falls on British actor Daniel Craig, the controversial choice to play the new James Bond, replacing the popular Pierce Brosnan. Angry fans say he is too blond and ugly to serve in Her Majesty's Secret Service.

 

However, Craig decided not to step into Sean Connery's old shoes. He's brought the audience a fresh new James Bond. "It's the first mission for Bond as an exclusive spy," said director Martin Campbell. "He has so much to learn. At first, he screws up with not much consideration. But in the end, he gradually becomes the Bond we have known for years."

 

"Craig's Bond is more real and human compared to old ones," he said.

 

Casino Royale has earned over US$563 million at the box office since it opened globally in November of last year, making it the best-performing in one of the world's most successful movie franchises.

 

Spokespeople for MGM and Sony have said Daniel Craig would continue to play James Bond on his 22nd mission in 2008.

 

(CRI January 29, 2007)