Three years ago, there was a public outcry after people found that more than 20 Chinese actors who possessed foreign passports had acted in an all-star blockbuster made to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Although the "expatriates" were relegated to playing minor, non-Communist characters' roles in the film, the lineup smacked of black humor because they portrayed the roles of some of China's most ardent and respected patriots. Their self-deprecating explanations about their decisions to renounce Chinese citizenships only succeeded in generating more sarcasm and scorn.

People might, however, have shrugged off such a controversy as a storm in a teacup.