Rare Chinese Film Pokes Fun at Regime

The Associated Press

Set in the chaotic years after the collapse of imperial rule, "Let the Bullets Fly" tells the story of a Robin Hood-like bandit who kidnaps a con man about to take up the mayorship that he secured through bribes. The bandit swaps identities with his hostage and becomes mayor, only to find himself locked in a battle of wits against a corrupt businessman who made his fortune from tobacco and human trafficking.

Playwrights, Actors Lash Out Against State

By John Freedman

Igor Yasulovich giving an interview Dec. 27 by the Khamovnichesky Court, the day of Khodorkovsky’s conviction.

Russian playwright and director Mikhail Ugarov is convinced that artists are better off creating art and avoiding political statements.

None of that, however, is stopping Ugarov from speaking out about recent events in Russia and neighboring Belarus.