Genre: personal epic
With: Leslie Cheung, Zhang Fengyi, Gong Li
Director: Chen Kaige
Release: 1993
Studio: Tomson Films et al. - Miramax Films
Rating: R
MBiS score: 8.8/10
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Story-line: this film condenses more than fifty years of Chinese history (1924-1977) by following two renowned opera singers from boyhood to the end of their careers on stage.
Pluses: incredible cinematography, strong acting, beautiful colours and matchless grandeur.
Minuses: after the first half-hour, the movie may confuse you because Shitou and Douzi, our two protagonists, will change names once they reach adulthood. Here is a hint: Shitou will become Duan Xiaolou (King Chu on stage) while Douzi will be known as Cheng Dyeyi (playing concubine Yu).
Comments: if you persevere, you’ll get used to the very different world depicted here… and you may even come to like Oriental opera. One of China’s greatest cinematic exports.
MBiS
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