donrent wrote:
Personally, compared to four years ago, they were a big bore... I think that I've "hey jude" way too many times...
There is a real difference between the two presentations.
The Chinese displayed technical adeptness and stunning visuals to promote and show what China can do. The mechanized movements of living beings reminded me of ants in a hill all working together. There was little if any humanity in the show.
The English presentation was about and for the English people. Their story from the prehistoric times of Glastonbury Tor to the modern world. The English steadfastness and penchant for invention that has been ongoing for 500 years come full circle to tell the story of island country that brought civilization and education to more than half the world. For without the English to lead the way out of the mires of ignorance the world would be a very different place.
This royal throne of kings, this sceptered isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world,
This precious stone set in a silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall
Or as a moat defensive to a house,
Against the envy of less happier lands,
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England...
[Richard II, 2.1, 40-51]