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Great Chinese films at Middfest
Amid all the hustle and bustle of Middfest, the films shown during the cultural festival over the weekend sometimes get overlooked. That ought not to happen this year with Middfest’s three-day celebration of China, starting today.
The committee that selects the movies has done an excellent job, choosing a number of movies that can not only enlighten viewers about Chinese culture, but entertain them in the bargain. These are not “educational” films but full-bodied movies. I strongly recommend trying to see any of these at Middfest, or at least catching them on DVD. All films are shown in the lower level of the City Building.
To Live (1994) : Zhang Yimou is not only the best Chinese director but is one of the best directors in the world, period. This film is one of his best as it follows two characters from the 1940s through the 70s, in a tumultuous period of history. Zhang’s vision is at once epic and intimate. Shows 6 p.m. Friday.
The Last Emperor (1987): This ravishing film, which swept the 1987 Oscars, tells the sprawling story of Pu Yi (John Lone) who went from being emperor at birth to a simple peasant. It’s perhaps a bit cool emotionally, but Bernardo Bertolucci’s grand visual style more than makes up for it. For many, this is the preeminent movie about China that is not actually from China. Also stars Peter O’Toole. Shows 1 p.m. Saturday.
Raise the Red Lantern (1991): Another masterwork from Zhang Yimou provides probably the strongest showcase for the brilliant Gong Li, who plays a woman forced to marry a Chinese lord who already has three other wives, resulting in a struggle for dominance. As always with Zhang, the visuals are stunning. Shows 5 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
The Joy Luck Club (1993): This emotionally intense adaptation of Amy Tan’s novel provides probably the best look at Chinese-American life and the forces that shape different generations. Features outstanding performances by Ming-Na Wen and others, under Wayne Wang’s sensitive and powerful direction. Shows noon Sunday.
Also showing, unseen by me, are “Zhou Yu’s Train” (noon Saturday) and “Son of Heaven” (3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Sunday).
There are other great Chinese movies/movies about China out there, but as always, I’d like to hear reader’s suggestions. What are your favorite Chinese films?
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Special Events
Comments
By Sir Critic
September 29, 2006 2:29 PM | Link to this
I’m told all except “Raise the Red Lantern” are on VHS. “Lantern” is on DVD.By Zack
September 29, 2006 2:10 PM | Link to this
Eric: Do you know if these are showing in 35mm or on DVD?