1 . Fifty years after Liliana Cavani’s film The Night Porter was released to widespread critical disgust, how have views of it changed?
“To write a poem after Auschwitz is barbaric,” wrote the German theorist Theodor Adorno, suggesting in his 1949 essay Cultural Criticism and Society that artistic expression had been rendered inadequate as a tool to understand reality after the Holocaust. In her 1974 film The Night Porter, Italian director Liliana Cavani challenged this theory, taking it to its logical extreme. She used a concentration camp as the setting to explore a crazed sexual bond between an adolescent prisoner and an SS commandant, and how, years later, this psychological poison has pervaded their souls.
Amid the furore after its release — which included intensely negative reviews and an at-tempted ban by the Italian ratings board—with typical nonchalance, Cavani told The New York Times: “This is nothing compared to the numberless couples who tear each other apart psychologically.”
Half a century on, however, does The Night Porter still seem like a provocation that plumbs the depths of bad taste? With the film’s recent restoration and re-releases, as well as renewed conversations around cinematic depictions of the Holocaust, many have revisited the film and remain unimpressed by its content. Others are perhaps seeing the film more as Lili-an a Cavani originally intended: as an artistic reflection of how sexual obsession can be fascistic in its tunnel-visioned ferocity. Cavani herself put it more simply: “love comes always with a price to pay.”
The Night Porter is set in Vienna in 1957, where a former Nazi commandant, Max (Dirk Bogarde), works in an upmarket hotel. There, he clashes with former SS colleagues who are determined to purge themselves of any shame about their roles in the Final Solution and eliminate any surviving witnesses. Max, however, would rather forget his past and move on, living his life quietly, he says, “as a church mouse.” His careful world is upended when Lucia (Charlotte Rampling), now married to an American composer, walks into his hotel lobby — the very woman he sexually abused while she was a prisoner in his camp, and with whom he entered into a sadomasochistic relationship. Reunited once more, their twisted folie a deux resumes and a fervent debasement begins — now, on both sides.
1. Which of the following statements best reflects the author’s perspective on the film’s portrayal of the Holocaust?A.The film is a disrespectful and exploitative representation of the Holocaust. |
B.The film is a complex and abstract exploration of Nazi ideology and sexual taboos. |
C.The film is a straightforward historical account of the Holocaust. |
D.The film is a romanticized depiction of love during the Holocaust. |
A.A form of psychological therapy. |
B.A type of artistic expression. |
C.A relationship dynamic characterized by the exchange of pain and pleasure. |
D.A historical account of events during World War II. |
A.The film provides a realistic portrayal of the Holocaust. |
B.The film’s controversial nature generates important discussions. |
C.The film is a successful example of the “Nazisploitation” genre. |
D.The film’s plot and character development are highly original. |
A.“The Night Porter: A Cinematic Controversy” |
B.“Liliana Cavani: The Director Who Challenged Art” |
C.“Love and Evil: The Complex Themes of The Night Porter” |
D.“The Holocaust on Film: A History of Cinematic Portrayals” |
Short-form videos, which gained popularity on the Chinese platform Douyin, have given rise to a new trend in entertainment: ultra-short (超短) dramas.
Despite the initial success of ultra-short dramas, Chinese authorities
What’s equally concerning is
It’s natural for us to seek entertainment. But it’s also worth pausing to consider the consequences
3 . “One more viewer, one less fraud victim.”With this slogan, a new Chinese film—“No More Bets”—has become a hit by tackling the issue of rampant(猖狂的) overseas cybercrimes.
Inspired by tens of thousands of real fraud cases across China, the movie offers a profound insight into the complex web of overseas cyber fraud, featuring realistic description of the industry’s inner workings.
No More Bets, directed by ShenAo, starred by ZhangYixing, JinChen and other actors revolves around a group of individuals who are tempted by lucrative(赚钱的) overseas job offers, only to fall into the trap of an overseas fraud scheme. They finally find themselves trapped in fraud factories, but are forced to engage in criminal activities to survive. The film unfolds from the perspectives of criminals, victims, and the police.
Online fraud has grown rampant in China over the last few years. According to the Xinhua News Agency,authorities resolved around 464,000 cases of telecommunications and online fraud in 2022, arresting 351 gang leaders and key members of criminal groups. Additionally, the Cyberspace Administration of China blocked799,000 overseas websites involved in fraud and 38,000 IP addresses. Recent data from the Chinese Anti-FraudCenter reveals that younger generations are now the primary target of online fraud. Despite being well-educated,many lack the necessary caution to be careful about increasingly complicated online scams(骗局).
At the same time, No More Bets led to widespread debate about overseas cyber fraud on social media, where dozens of people shared their experiences of being tricked by lucrative job offers. Many viewers also praised the film for educating people and helping prevent others from being cheated. It’s not one of those films where fans are just promoting it for box office numbers. It’s going to have a lasting social impact and pro found significance.
1. What can we learn about the movie?A.The plot is based on a true fraud case in China. |
B.The movie is the first to dig deeply about cybercrimes. |
C.The victims have to give in to the criminals to survive. |
D.The movie is developed focusing on the angle of the police. |
A.To illustrate criminals’ scams. |
B.To show government’s effort. |
C.To reveal the severe situation. |
D.To prove the movie’s importance. |
A.Its great story and quality. |
B.Its educational significance. |
C.Its high box office numbers. |
D.Its famous director and stars. |
A.Be Cautious about Overseas Cybercrimes |
B.One More Viewer, One Less Fraud Victim |
C.The Success of Chinese Anti-Fraud Movies |
D.No More Bets:China’s New Runaway Hit Film |
1. What will the film be turned to?
A.A romance. | B.A drama. | C.A comedy. |
A.It can't be shown in theaters. |
B.Production costs have increased. |
C.People are watching movies at home. |
A.In early spring. | B.In late spring. | C.In midsummer. |
5 . Forrest Gump is one of the greatest novels I have ever read. The main character, Forrest Gump, who is
As a boy, all the people
God gives everyone different fates. Forrest Gump has a low IQ, but he has a(an)
Despite(尽管) his low IQ, Forrest Gump
A.unbelievably | B.accidentally | C.unfortunately | D.obviously |
A.seeking | B.achieving | C.appreciating | D.gathering |
A.husband | B.businessman | C.father | D.millionaire |
A.look down upon | B.glare at | C.have mercy on | D.watch out for |
A.reserve | B.share | C.remove | D.wipe |
A.remind | B.award | C.affect | D.strike |
A.fool | B.liar | C.pupil | D.stranger |
A.hopeful | B.genuine | C.stupid | D.terrifying |
A.refers to | B.comes across | C.sorts out | D.works on |
A.relief | B.responsibility | C.humor | D.existence |
A.positive | B.friendly | C.grateful | D.appreciative |
A.headache | B.talent | C.success | D.failure |
A.thirst | B.weakness | C.taste | D.gift |
A.patient | B.proud | C.outspoken | D.considerate |
A.lead | B.rebuild | C.miss | D.celebrate |
A.tips | B.news | C.truths | D.puzzles |
A.just | B.always | C.ever | D.never |
A.admires | B.explores | C.gains | D.faces |
A.pretend | B.complain | C.go ahead | D.take a chance |
A.lost | B.deserved | C.experienced | D.laid |
6 . Beijing-born Chloe Zhao made a historic win, becoming the first Asian woman director to take home the Golden Globe Award for Best Director on Sunday night in Los Angeles, causing a stir among domestic netizens.
Nomadland, Zhao's third film, grabbed two top awards, including Best Picture, at the 2021 Annual Golden Globe Awards, making her the second filmmaker of Chinese descent after Ang Lee to get the top directorial prize of the 78 year old event, widely considered as an indicator of the Oscars.
Adapted from American journalist Jessica Bruder's 2017 non-fiction book Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century, the film stars the actress Frances McDormand as a 62-year old woman who travels in the vast lands of America in order to explore life as a modern-day nomad (流浪者).
With a short yet glittering resume (简历), Zhao, who was born in 1982 and sent to study overseas in 1998, has gained attention from the first film directed by her Songs My Brothers Taught Me in 2015 before accumulating more popularity for the award-winning The Rider in 2017. The latter helped her to seize the attention of McDormand, who then chose the rights of the Nomadland book.
After being released in international film events since autumn last year. Nomadland has been a favorite of many major festivals, including its victorious win of the Golden Lion Award as the best film at the 2020 Venice International Film Festival.
So far, the film has received more than 90 awards, making it a sought-after competitor in the upcoming Oscars.
Song Dandan, a famous actress and the stepmother of Zhao, sent her greetings on SinaWeibo saying every award won by Zhao has surpassed (超过) the family’s expectations, bringing them huge joy. She added that she hopes Zhao’s success will encourage more Chinese youth to pursue their dreams.
1. What can we learn about Nomadland, the film directed by Chloe Zhao?A.The film has won no more than two awards |
B.The film will surely win the Oscar award for Best Picture |
C.The film is about an old woman exploring life in America as a nomad |
D.The film was inspired by American journalist Jessica Bruder's fiction book |
A.her road to success is smooth |
B.Chloe Zhao is a successful woman |
C.all her three films are well-received |
D.the two films contribute to her historic success |
A.Chloe Zhao makes history at Golden Globes |
B.Nomadland directed by Chloe Zhao wins awards |
C.Chloe Zhao wins glory for her family and netizens |
D.Chloe Zhao’s success will inspire Chinese teenagers |
1. Which movie is Freida Pinto most known for?
A.Slumdog Millionaire. | B.Rise of the Planet of the Apes. | C.Girl Rising. |
A.At the Palm Springs International Film Festival. |
B.At the British Academy Film Awards. |
C.At the MTV Movie Awards. |
A.It provides education for girls. |
B.It helps poor children get educated. |
C.It pays to make movies about women. |