The French racing film Michel Vaillant opened in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou on Wednesday and Thursday. It's a production by French film tycoon Luc Besson.

Michel Vaillant is an exhilarating competition between two top Formula One racing teams. It cost 31 million dollars to produce the film, shot on location at the world famous Le Mans racetrack in France. The breathtaking racing scenes gives the audience the sense of being there.

Michel Vaillant is adapted from a popular 1950s European cartoon, and captures the essence of French culture. Moviegoers will see a familiar face -- Diane Kruger, who became an instant celebrity for her role in Troy as the beautiful princess Helen. She departs from her usually refined image and plays a speed-savvy car racer.

Michel Vaillant was well received when it was released in France and Japan. It was one of the ten films selected for this year's "French Culture Year" held by the French Embassy in China.

Luc Besson wasn't there for Michel Vaillant's premiere in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. But he sent his regards and best wishes. And to get things moving along, there'll be a "Beijing-Paris Car Rallye."

(CCTV.com September 3, 2004)