Colbert: ‘The Martian’s’ Pro-Chinese Plot Makes Sense To Make It Marketable in China

COLBERT: "And this movie's block is only going to get more busted, because "The Martian" is expected to do particularly well when it launches in China. The country's space program plays a key role in the film, a plot point that should help it attract crowds in the 'People's Republic.' "Oh, no, spoilers! Don't tell me the plot point. I want to see it again." But it makes sense that "The Martian" would include a pro-Chinese plot point because the Chinese government only allows a small number of foreign movies into China each year, and after America, China is the number two biggest movie-going country in the world. And this movie is a natural match for China. Because not only is the planet Mars red. I believe it has more oxygen than Beijing. So it's only natural-- people are applauding for oxygen. So it's only natural for American movie makers to try to please the cultural gatekeepers of the Chinese government."