Kundun

## Chapter 1: Introduction Exploring the journey of a cinematic masterpiece named 'Kundun' reveals much about the frictions between global entertainment giants and international regulatory landscapes. 

### 1.1. Background of the Movie 'Kundun' 'Kundun', a cinematic gem brought forth in the late 1990s, narrates the tale of the 14th Dalai Lama. Despite its incredibly thought-provoking narrative and beautifully depicted scenes, the movie has remained under the radar. This anonymity is due to its blend into the shadows driven by stringent censorship protocols imposed by Disney and Chinese regulators. 

### 1.2. The People Behind 'Kundun': Melissa Mathison and Martin Scorcese The brains behind 'Kundun', screenwriter Melissa Mathison, and director Martin Scorcese, crafted this cinematic narrative after meeting the Dalai Lama. They sought to portray the principles of Tibetan Buddhism and the essence of non-violence that the Dalai Lama embodies. 

### 1.3. The Immediate Reaction to 'Kundun': Box Office Reception and Controversy Despite this strong premise, 'Kundun' failed to generate significant revenues at the box office. The Chinese Government's opposition resulted in Disney enduring severe consequences, notably the threat of losing access to the profitable Chinese market. 

## Chapter 2: China's Influence and Censorship Our journey into 'Kundun' transcends beyond cinema and delves into a broader issue of global importance - China's increasing control over global entertainment. 

### 2.1 The Growing Control of China Over Global Entertainment The Chinese Government has a growing hand in not only its domestic entertainment industry but also in the global entertainment sphere. This descriptive narrative places 'Kundun' as a cinematic piece that fell victim to such restrictions. 

### 2.2 How 'Kundun' Fell Victim to Censorship 'Kundun' became a controversial piece targeted by regulators who deemed it as straying from their established norms. The censorship that was imposed led to the film's subdued presence in the entertainment sector. 

### 2.3 Analysis of China's Rapidity in Growth and Development China’s increasing influence over global entertainment traces back to its market reforms spearheaded by Deng Xioping in the 1990s. These reforms catalyzed China's rapid growth, turning it into a formidable entity in the global market. 

## Chapter 3: Disney's Response Despite the polarizing reception, Disney navigated this situation strategically. 

### 3.1 Disney's 'Least Bad' Strategy: A Limited Release for 'Kundun' Disney decided to conduct a very limited release, maintaining a delicate balance of not completely capitulating to Chinese regulators while managing to keep their content alive. 

### 3.2 Michael Eisner: The Apology to China Disney's CEO, Michael Eisner, extended an apology to China's premier post the film's release. This apology marked a drastically different approach by global entertainment houses towards managing international content regulation. 

### 3.3 The Impact on the Global Entertainment Industry after Eisner's Apology Post Eisner's apology, global entertainment players began navigating Chinese regulations more tactfully. This approach marked a shift in the global content creation and delivery dynamic, with players becoming more sensitive to international norms and regulations. 

## Chapter 4: Disney's Venture into the Chinese Market That apology paved the way forward for Disney's penetration into the Chinese market. 

### 4.1 Moving Forward: From Apology to Engagement Post the apology, Disney eased into China's lucrative market. They progressed towards fostering a relationship of mutual growth rather than confrontation. 

### 4.2 The Opening of Disneyland Resort in Mainland China: A Fruitful Endeavor? The result was palpable, with Disney launching a flagship resort in mainland China, an endeavor that significantly expanded their global footprint.

 ### 4.3 Building a Disney-Loving Culture: ‘Disney English’ Locations and Strategic Film Releases Disney didn't limit their initiatives to resorts alone. They created 'Disney English' locations across China to foster a Disney-loving culture. Films strategically designed to cater to the Chinese market also debuted at the box office. 

## Chapter 5: The Ripple Effect: Censorship Beyond Entertainment The influence of China and its regulatory machinery extends far beyond just films and entertainment platforms. 

### 5.1 The Wider Impact: Marriott International, Shutterstock, and Bing Marriott International faced China's directive when it listed Tibet as an independent nation in a survey, with Shutterstock and Bing also facing similar challenges. 

### 5.2 The Balance of Power: Companies' Interactions with China's Directives The balance of global power dynamics is navigated daily by companies seeking to sustain their foothold in the vast Chinese market.

### 5.3 Critical Reflection: The Price of Engaging with China A critical reflection is necessary on the part of global players to adhere to international norms without compromising their core principles. The central question revolves around the price they are willing to pay to engage with China. 

## Chapter 6: Conclusion As we delve deep into the journey of 'Kundun', we begin to understand the intricacies of international content regulation. 

### 6.1 Recapitulation: Disney's Struggles with China Over 'Kundun' Looking back, it's evident that Disney, along with the broader entertainment industry, has had to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, as visibly seen in their dealings with China over 'Kundun'. 

### 6.2 Lasting Effects: China's Influence on International Works The influence China has over international works is lasting. This influence will continually shape how content is created and delivered across international boundaries. 

### 6.3 Looking Forward: The Future of Global Entertainment amid China's Influence As we look forward to the future of global entertainment, it is essential to continually analyze and adapt to evolving international norms and regulations. Only through this adaptation can the entertainment industry negotiate the delicate balance between creativity, audience reception, and regulatory compliance. 

## Frequently Asked Questions 

* What was the controversy surrounding the movie 'Kundun'? It revolved around Chinese government objections to the narrative of the movie 'Kundun,' which led to Disney facing potential loss of access to the Chinese market. 
* How did Disney's method of handling 'Kundun' contribute to China's influence over global entertainment? Disney chose not to confront Chinese regulators, adopting a 'least bad' strategy by continuing with a limited release of the movie. This approach was a delicate balance, which served as a precedent for how global entertainment houses manage international regulatory landscapes. 
* How did China react to the release of Disney's 'Kundun'? China vehemently opposed 'Kundun' due to the sensitive subject matter it addressed. The movie led to Disney receiving backlash from Chinese Government officials, marking the beginning of China's influence on global entertainment.
 * How does Disney's response to the 'Kundun' controversy reveal the dynamic between global companies and Chinese regulators? Disney's strategic response to the 'Kundun' controversy reflects the delicate balance global companies often need to navigate. Acknowledging international regulatory landscapes without completely capitulating to them challenges the companies to seamlessly merge market access with adherence to global norms.
* How has China's influence extended beyond just films and the entertainment industry? China's influence has extended to various sectors, impacting global players such as Marriott International, Bing, and Shutterstock. These companies have had to navigate China's rigid regulations, reflecting China's growing imprint on global norms and regulations.

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