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Chinese director Zhang Yimou will be joined by Steven Spielberg to create and design the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Yimou is known for his movies Hero and House of Flying Daggers. He will lead the team that will include US director and filmmaker Steven Spielberg as a consultant to the project.

Spielberg commented that "Through the visual arts, the art of celebration of life, we are dedicated to making this the most emotional opening ceremony ever.” He added: "Our one goal is to give the world a taste of peace, friendship and understanding.”

Yimou said "I make a solemn promise to the Chinese people I will complete the task beautifully and successfully."

With these two, among others, this should be an extraordinary event to watch.

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