BEIJING, Jan. 17 -- Chinese talent will be among the serious contenders at the 63rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, which will be presented Wednesday (Beijing time) in Beverly Hills, California, with Chinese director Ang Lee's "Brokeback Mountain," Chen Kaige's "The Promise," Stephen Chow's "Kung Fu Hustle" and Zhang Ziyi competing for awards presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press. Let's take a look at their advantages and disadvantages.

    Lee's "Brokeback Mountain"

    Advantage: "Brokeback Mountain," the story of two cowboys grappling with their love for each other, picked up seven Golden Globe nominations. Before this, Ang Lee grabbed the Golden Lion (best film) at last year's Venice Film Festival. What's more, "Brokeback" has won New York Film Critics Circle's three major awards. With so many major awards, "Brokeback" has become one of the leading competitors for the Golden Globe. It is very likely that Lee will win both best picture and best director awards this time.

    Disadvantage: Never has a movie with a gay love won a Golden Globe award.

    Chen Kaige and Stephen Chow test foreigners' tastes

Chen Kaige's "The Promise"

Stephen Chow's "Kung Fu Hustle"

    Advantage: Both Chen Kaige's "The Promise" and Stephen Chow's "Kung Fu Hustle" are nominees for best foreign language film. As two of the five nominees in this category, they increase the odds of a Chinese win.

    Disadvantage: Chinese and foreign tastes are quite different. It's hard to tell how the judges will react to the films, both of which did top box-office business on the Chinese mainland.

    Zhang Ziyi in "Geisha"

    Advantage: Zhang Ziyi has been nominated for best actress in the motion picture-drama category. She¡¯s been flooded with critical praise for her performance. Besides, Columbia's promotion for the movie seemed to be everywhere, building Zhang's popularity in America. This should increase Zhang¡¯s chances for grabbing the best actress award.

Zhang Ziyi arrives for the 63rd Annual Golden Globe Awards Jan. 16 in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Xinhuanet/sina.com)  

    Disadvantage: Zhang has four powerful contenders: Maria Bello for "A History of Violence," Felicity Huffman for "Transamerica," Gwyneth Paltrow for "Proof," and Charlize Theron for "North Country." Both Paltrow and Theron have won Oscars, making them powerful contenders. However, Felicity Huffman, who won best comedy actress in last year's Emmy awards, will be Zhang¡¯s major competition.

    Golden Globe judges have not been moved by box-office success. In the past, independent films won out over commercial releases. Unveiled ahead of the Academy Awards, the Golden Globe Awards are considered a factor in the Oscars.

(Source: Shenzhen Daily)