New Tom and Jerry film fascinates int'l audiences with merge of Chinese, American culture

A new Tom and Jerry film, produced by both Chinese and American companies, has surprised audiences with a novel blend of cultural humor.

Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass premiered for preview audiences on Saturday in Beijing, sending the iconic duo back to ancient China for their latest adventure.

The production team has incorporated myriad Chinese cultural elements while also alluding to the rich history of the U.S. film industry.

"When Tom and Jerry travel back in time to ancient China, they meet many immortals there. However, whereas the Chinese characters' mannerisms are more Peking-Opera like, Tom is more like Charlie Chaplin in the silent films. And this clash actually creates a new style of humor," said Zhang Gang, director and screenwriter of the film.

Joining Tom is the phoenix-riding immortal whose mount has been transformed into a rooster. They are accompanied by Tom's new infatuation, Ruyu.

"Tom in each episode of the original story falls in love with a white cat. However, the Ruyu I created in this film is a Peking-Opera cat and she is very reserved and demure, sort of in the image of a stereotypical Chinese lady," said Zhang.

Also joining the adventure are three roof beasts -- decorative animals seen on China's imperial-era roofs, come to life. Together, this unlikely ensemble embarks on a thrilling, firecracker-filled mission to retrieve the powerful talisman -- the forbidden compass.

While there have been numerous adaptations of this classic cat-and-mouse TV series for the big screen, this marks the first time Tom and Jerry have visited China, and the captivating integration of Chinese culture into the story has thrilled fans.

"It's beyond our expectations. When we first heard Tom and Jerry and Chinese culture, what would be the link? And then I saw many smart characters," said an American viewer.

"I really liked how all the Chinese culture was interwoven for Tom and Jerry to explore and discover as well. I thought that was quite interesting," said a British audience member.

"I think this is an outstanding movie because it mixes American culture and Chinese culture and helps us in America to understand Chinese culture and customs," an American attendee to the preview said.

"I was instantly transported back to my childhood memory by the chase action sequences and the music in the movie," said a Chinese viewer.

New Tom and Jerry film fascinates int'l audiences with merge of Chinese, American culture

Hong Kong's first astronaut lifted off into space on Sunday, sparking a wave of enthusiasm for space exploration in the special administrative region, while inspiring a new generation to look to the stars.

The Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 23:08 (Beijing Time) on Sunday. The crew members include Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut and payload specialist from Hong Kong to join a national space mission, whose achievements have motivated many Hong Kong residents.

"I feel so happy and thrilled. This is the first time a Hong Kong astronaut has gone to space, and to see a true Hong Konger, who is also a mother of three, just really touches my heart," said Chow, a local resident.

The successful spaceflight of Lai has especially captivated the younger generation to dream bigger about the future.

"I want to be an astronaut, because I want to discover more things about space," said a young student surnamed Chow.

"I have seen things related to spaceflights of astronauts. I hope when I grow up, I could receive training and go to space myself," said another student surnamed Koo.

To meet public expectations, the Hong Kong Space Museum has updated its space-themed exhibition with the latest development of the Shenzhou-23 mission, extending the display until July 6. Parents are seizing the moment to enrich their children's knowledge.

"At his age, I want him to be exposed to a wide range of information. With all the recent astronaut news, I brought him here specially to see for himself. We will also check out a film about space knowledge at the planetarium. I hope he can get more out of this from an early age," said Cheung, a father.

"We just watched the Shenzhou-23 launch at home with my son last night, and decided to take him to the Space Museum," a mother surnamed Chun shared.

"I saw on TV that so many people were cheering for the launch. When the rocket was launched, fire burst out from its body. I was really happy they succeeded," said Chun's son.

Hong Kong's first astronaut ignites citywide enthusiasm over space exploration