Ba wang bie ji

"Ba wang bie ji" or "Farewell My Concubine" is a Chinese-language film that was released in 1993. Directed by Chen Kaige, the film was a critical and commercial success, winning the Palme d'Or at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival and receiving numerous other accolades. The movie is set in China during the mid-20th century and tells the story of two male Peking opera performers, Cheng Dieyi and Duan Xiaolou, and their tumultuous relationship over several decades.

At its core, "Ba wang bie ji" is a story about love, loyalty, and sacrifice. It explores the themes of identity, gender roles, and the impact of political upheaval on individuals and society. The film is a powerful commentary on the human condition and the complexities of relationships.

In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the meaning and significance of "Ba wang bie ji." We will examine the historical and cultural context of the film, its artistic and technical achievements, and the impact it has had on Chinese cinema and beyond. We will also explore the controversies surrounding the movie, including its portrayal of homosexuality and its use of Peking opera as a metaphor for Chinese society.

Whether you are a fan of Chinese cinema or simply interested in exploring new cultures and perspectives, "Ba wang bie ji" is a must-see film. Its themes and messages are timeless and universal, and its impact on the world of cinema cannot be overstated. So join us on this journey as we explore the beauty and complexity of "Ba wang bie ji" and the world it portrays.

I'm sure you will also enjoy the following films:

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" - A Masterpiece of Martial Arts and Romance

Released in 2000, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is a martial arts epic directed by Ang Lee, based on the novel by Wang Dulu. The movie takes place during the Qing dynasty in China, and tells the story of a young warrior, Jen Yu, who is betrothed to a nobleman but secretly longs for a life of adventure.

The movie opens with a stunning fight sequence, as the legendary warrior Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-fat) attempts to recover his stolen sword, the Green Destiny. Along the way, he meets the skilled and enigmatic Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh), who becomes his ally in his quest.

As the story unfolds, we learn more about the characters and their relationships. Li Mu Bai is in love with Yu Shu Lien, but she is still grieving for her dead fiancé. Meanwhile, Jen Yu (Zhang Ziyi) is being trained by the villainous Jade Fox (Cheng Pei-pei), who sees her as a potential ally in her own schemes.

The movie is breathtaking in its visual style, with stunning landscapes and beautifully choreographed fight scenes. The cinematography, by Peter Pau, is particularly impressive, with scenes set in treetops and on rooftops that are both graceful and thrilling.

One of the strongest points of the movie is the performances of the cast. Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh are both excellent, bringing depth and nuance to their characters. Zhang Ziyi, who was only 19 at the time of filming, is a revelation as Jen Yu, capturing both her youthful energy and her inner turmoil.

The movie's weak points are few and far between. Some viewers may find the pacing slow at times, and the plot can be convoluted. However, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a masterful film.

In conclusion, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is a cinematic masterpiece that blends martial arts action with a poignant love story. It is a testament to the skill of director Ang Lee and the talent of the cast and crew. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it.

"Raise the Red Lantern" is a visually stunning movie directed by Zhang Yimou that was released in 1991. This movie is set in 1920s China and tells the story of a young woman named Songlian who is forced to become the fourth wife of a wealthy man. The movie portrays the struggles of the women living in the household and the power struggles between them.

Cinematography

The cinematography in this movie is breathtaking. The use of vivid colors and intricate set designs create a visually stunning experience for the viewer. The camera work is also impressive, with many long shots and tracking shots that allow the audience to become fully immersed in the world of the movie.

Plot

The plot of this movie is both compelling and heartbreaking. The struggles of the women in the household are portrayed in a way that is both realistic and emotional. The power struggles between the wives are also fascinating to watch, as each woman tries to gain favor with their husband and rise in status within the household.

Cast

The cast of this movie is exceptional. Gong Li gives an outstanding performance as Songlian, portraying the character's emotional turmoil with depth and nuance. The supporting cast is also excellent, with each actress bringing a unique energy to their role.

Impressions

Overall, "Raise the Red Lantern" is a must-see movie for anyone interested in cinema. The cinematography is stunning, the plot is compelling, and the cast is exceptional. The movie does a fantastic job of portraying the struggles of women in a patriarchal society, and the power dynamics between the wives are both fascinating and heartbreaking to watch.

Strong points

The strong points of this movie are undoubtedly the cinematography and the performances. The use of color and set design is truly breathtaking, and the cast delivers some of the best performances I have ever seen.

Weak points

The only weak point that I can think of is that some viewers may find the pacing of the movie to be slow. However, I believe that the deliberate pacing is essential to the storytelling and adds to the emotional impact of the film.

Personal opinion

"Raise the Red Lantern" is one of my all-time favorite movies. It is a beautifully crafted and emotionally moving film that I would highly recommend to anyone. The cinematography is stunning, the plot is compelling, and the cast is outstanding. This movie is a true masterpiece of cinema that deserves to be seen by everyone.

"The Flowers of War" is a 2011 Chinese historical drama directed by Zhang Yimou. The movie is set in Nanking during the 1937 Nanking Massacre, where a group of Chinese soldiers and civilians seek shelter in a church to escape the Japanese army.

Plot and Summary

The movie follows the story of John Miller, an American mortician, who arrives in Nanking to prepare the dead body of a priest for burial. While staying at a nearby church, he finds himself in the midst of the massacre. With the help of the church's head priest, George, and a group of schoolgirls, John tries to protect the refugees and himself from the Japanese soldiers.

Review

Cinematography

The cinematography in "The Flowers of War" is breathtaking. The movie's visuals are stunning, and the camera work is outstanding. The use of light and shadow adds depth to the movie, and the landscapes are beautifully captured. The cinematography adds to the movie's emotional impact, making it a visual masterpiece.

Acting

The cast of "The Flowers of War" is impressive. Christian Bale's portrayal of John Miller is excellent, and he delivers a powerful performance. The young actresses who play the schoolgirls are also outstanding, and their performances are heart-wrenching. The supporting cast is equally impressive, and the actors bring authenticity to their roles.

Direction

Zhang Yimou's direction in "The Flowers of War" is excellent. The movie is well-paced, and the director knows how to build tension. The use of music in the movie is also noteworthy, and it adds to the emotional impact of the story. Zhang Yimou's direction makes the movie a powerful and moving experience.

Weak Points

One of the weak points of "The Flowers of War" is its predictability. The movie follows a typical Hollywood formula, and the story is predictable. Another weak point is the lack of character development. Some of the characters are not fully fleshed out, and their motivations are not clear.

Strong Points

The strong point of "The Flowers of War" is its emotional impact. The movie is a powerful portrayal of the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit. The movie's themes of sacrifice, love, and redemption are universal, and they resonate with the audience. The movie's stunning visuals, excellent cast, and outstanding direction make it a must-watch.

Conclusion

"The Flowers of War" is a powerful and moving movie that is worth watching. The cinematography, acting, and direction are excellent, and the movie's emotional impact is undeniable. Although the movie has some weaknesses, its strengths make it a must-watch. "The Flowers of War" is a movie that will stay with you long after you've watched it.

"To Live" is a Chinese drama movie released in 1994, directed by Zhang Yimou, with a screenplay by Hua Yu and based on the novel by Yu Hua. The film is a sweeping saga that follows the life of one family over several decades, beginning in the 1940s and ending in the 1970s. It tells the story of a Chinese couple, Fugui and Jiazhen, and their struggles to survive the tumultuous events of the 20th century in China.

Plot Summary

The movie begins in the 1940s, where Fugui, a wealthy gambler, loses his family's fortune through gambling. As a result, he is forced to sell his possessions and becomes a wandering performer with his friend, Chunsheng. Fugui eventually returns home after learning that Jiazhen has given birth to a son, but he is unable to support his family. The family's struggles continue as they endure the Japanese occupation and the Chinese civil war, which forces them to flee their home and become refugees.

Throughout the film, the family experiences great hardships, including the loss of their home, the death of their children, and the pressures of the Cultural Revolution. However, they also experience moments of hope and resilience as they persevere through these difficult times.

Impressions

"To Live" is an emotionally powerful film that captures the struggles of a family during one of the most tumultuous periods in Chinese history. The film's cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots of the Chinese countryside and intimate moments between the characters. The music is also excellent, adding to the film's emotional impact.

The acting in "To Live" is superb, particularly by the two leads, Ge You and Gong Li, who give standout performances. They convey the emotional depth of their characters, capturing their pain, resilience, and hope. The supporting cast is also excellent, with each actor bringing their unique talents to the screen.

Strong Points

One of the strongest points of "To Live" is its emotional impact. The film portrays the struggles of the family in a way that is both realistic and heartbreaking. It shows the toll that these events take on them, but also the strength that they possess to persevere through them.

Another strong point of the film is its historical accuracy. The movie offers an insightful look at the turbulent events of 20th-century China, including the Japanese occupation, the Chinese civil war, and the Cultural Revolution. It captures the mood of the times, and the experiences of the people who lived through them.

Weak Points

One of the weak points of "To Live" is its pacing. The film is quite long, and there are moments where the story drags. Some viewers may find it difficult to sit through the entire film, especially if they are not familiar with Chinese history.

Another weak point of the movie is its lack of character development. While the characters are well-acted, they are not always fully fleshed out. Some of the supporting characters, in particular, feel underdeveloped, and their motivations are not always clear.

Personal Opinion

Overall, I think "To Live" is an excellent film that captures the struggles of a family during one of the most turbulent periods in Chinese history. The movie is emotionally powerful, with stunning cinematography, excellent music, and standout performances by the cast. While the film's pacing can be slow at times, it offers an insightful look at Chinese history and the resilience of the human spirit. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone interested in historical dramas or Chinese cinema.

Oh, boy, have I got a movie for you! "Farewell My Concubine" is a 1993 classic that has everything a film lover could want. Directed by Chen Kaige, this movie is a historical drama that follows the lives of two Peking opera performers, Cheng Dieyi and Duan Xiaolou, during China's turbulent 20th century.

Plot Summary

The movie starts in 1924 when Cheng and Duan are young boys being trained in the art of Peking opera. They both play the role of the concubine, with Cheng playing the female lead and Duan playing the male lead. As they grow up, their friendship deepens, but they also face many challenges together. The movie follows their lives through the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Chinese Civil War, and the Cultural Revolution.

Impressions

There are so many things to love about this movie. First of all, the cinematography is stunning. The colors and framing are breathtaking, and the set design is impeccable. The costumes are also gorgeous, and you can tell that the filmmakers paid close attention to every detail.

The performances are also incredible. Leslie Cheung and Zhang Fengyi, who play Cheng and Duan, respectively, give nuanced and powerful performances. Their chemistry is palpable, and you can feel the love and tension between them throughout the movie.

One of the strongest points of this movie is its exploration of gender and sexuality. Cheng, who plays the female lead in the opera, is often mistaken for a woman in real life. He struggles with his identity and his love for Duan, who is straight. The movie handles these themes with sensitivity and depth, and it's refreshing to see a movie from 1993 that is so progressive in its portrayal of gender and sexuality.

Weak Points

The only weak point of this movie, in my opinion, is its length. It's a long movie, clocking in at just under three hours, and there are times when it feels a bit slow. However, the pacing is necessary to fully explore the complex themes and characters.

Overall Opinion

Overall, "Farewell My Concubine" is a masterpiece. It's a beautiful, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll. The cast is incredible, the cinematography is stunning, and the themes are timeless. If you're a fan of historical dramas or just great movies in general, you need to watch this one.