Film boycott shows audiences can't 'Let go'

The makers of Let Go For Love, the new romantic comedy starring Hong Kong actor Chapman To, issued an apology Friday for casting an actor "without ethics" for his support of the recent student protests in Taiwan.

The statement, which was issued on the film's official Sina Weibo account, arrives as the film continues to languish due to a boycott of the film among Chinese mainlanders.

"We are also indignant about what Chapman To said. However, we are continuing to screen the movie out of respect for the many people that worked so hard on it," read the statement.

The filmmakers added that they would "accept whatever they get at the box office."

The film brought in only 450,000 yuan ($71,892) at the box office at its premiere on Wednesday with many vowed they would not go to the cinema.

To came under fire after he publicly supported student-led protests in March against the cross-Straits service trade pact.

"Stop me from coming to the mainland if you've got guts," To posted on Weibo.

Aberdeen, To's latest offering set for a May 8 release, is facing similar pressure as Net users call for its boycott unless the 41-year-old actor's parts are cut.

"The distributors have taken To's name and photo from the posters but he is still has a leading role. We will not go to theaters unless his scenes are cut," wrote Weibo user Yueyuyuekuaile.

The comment has been reposted over 55,000 times, including some mainland celebrities as of press time on Saturday.

Others called for unity among people across the Straits and that art should not mingle with politics.