| Description |
1 online resource (streaming video file) (46 min. 41 sec.) ; 282880200 bytes |
| Summary |
British comedian Paul Merton continues his tour, arriving at Shaolin Temple, famed as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and home of Kung Fu. When he enrols in a meditation course he accidentally signs up for a punishing course of martial arts - or is that a sick joke instigated by his producer, he ponders .He skips class to star in a Kung Fu film being shot down the road - complete with a personal stunt double. Next stop is the most important Monastery outside Tibet in Labrang. The sight and sound of over 1000 Buddhist monks being called to prayer is a moving experience Paul will never forget. Sharing a tasty lunch of lamb with nomad friends, Paul is enchanted by the peaceful simplicity of their lives and wonders if this Tibetan lifestyle can survive modern China. In Chongqing, the largest municipality in the world with a population of over 30 million, Paul buys two fighting crickets for the train journey. On arrival at the hotel in Chengdu, Paul is delighted to find that his reputation precedes him. He is greeted by a beaming hotel manager complete with photographers. His guide, Emma diplomatically decides not to let on that the hotel has mistaken him for Paul Martin, the former Canadian Prime Minister.Paul then uncovers one of China's newest fads - dog grooming. Until recently, owning dogs was illegal but people now spend fortunes on buying pedigree poodles and having them dyed in bright colours. In search of dinner, Paul experiences a different side to the Chinese fondness for man's best friend. 'Dog Street' is lined with busy restaurants all specialising in the same thing. Somehow, when the sizzling platter arrives, Paul's appetite deserts him.PRODUCTION DETAILS:Directed by Barbie MacLaurin (Martin Clunes: Islands of Britain) for Tiger Aspect Productions |
| Event |
Broadcast 2010-01-17 at 18:10:00 |
| Notes |
Classification: PG |
| Subject |
Chinese -- Economic conditions.
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Kung fu.
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Martial arts -- Training.
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Meditation -- Zen Buddhism.
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Shao lin si (Dengfeng Xian, China)
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Zen Buddhism.
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China.
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| Form |
Streaming video
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| Author |
MacLaurin, Barbie, director
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Merton, Paul, host
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