The London Olympics Have Opened

By Chen Chi-Hsiang

The long-awaited London Olympics finally opened. Amidst singing and dancing, full of British historical sentiment and drama, it was vividly lively, engaging sight, sound, voice, light, and color. In a grand scene alternating between virtual and reality, bustling and exceeding expectations, leaving people in awe, with some media calling it "the most spectacular performance in modern Olympic history," it concluded with British wisdom and humor.

London is the only metropolis to have hosted the Olympics three times. It has become Britain's showcase for industry and commerce and a global financial hub, historically the empire on which the sun never sets, a place full of humanities and art. The Olympics were the best moment to promote British civilization and fashion. The opening ceremony was creatively led by renowned director Danny Boyle, beginning with a grand scene that started with a British pastoral symphony, quietly displaying greenery and joy.

Then, noisy drums broke the silence, leaping from the agricultural age into the Industrial Revolution. Seven large chimneys rose from the emerald grasslands, changing human destiny. Dramatic scenes followed one after another, marking era shifts from the invention of steam trains to the industrial revolution, trade unions, women's rights movements, the national healthcare system, wars, and more, bringing Britain into a nation of modern civilized society.

Amidst the rhythm of history, J.K. Rowling, author of Harry Potter, read aloud Caliban's monologue from Shakespeare's The Tempest for the children. Comedian Mr. Bean performed a humorous play of "one-finger kung fu" to the symphony melody, making people laugh out loud. More dramatically, James Bond actor Daniel Craig drove to Buckingham Palace to pick up Queen Elizabeth II, flew by helicopter to the Olympic opening site, and jumped from the helicopter into the venue to participate in the opening. At the moment of the jump, amidst 007 music, the Queen appeared in the venue, wearing identical clothes and hat, appearing on the podium amid cheers and applause from the audience.

The lighting of the Olympic cauldron in London was also symbolic and beyond imagination. Famous athletes received the torch from the canal, and workers from two rows of buildings at the giant dome stadium welcomed them in, thanking them for their hard work. Then, young athletes took over the torch, passed to seven new athletic talents, symbolizing succession across generations, jointly igniting the flame. Finally, it slowly rose and gathered into a magnificent torch, drawing a perfect conclusion to the opening and starting the London Olympics. The final ceremony ended with former Beatle Paul McCartney leading the crowd in singing.