1176. Ying xiong

Ying xiong
Hero

2002
Directed by Zhang Yimou

I want to thank this film for getting me through the previous night, as I was in a great deal of pain yesterday. This movie really helped distract me, and was great way to pass the time as I waited for my medication to kick in. Between the sword fights and the many plot twists, I was almost able to get my mind off it for awhile

Hero takes place during the Warring States Period in Ancient China. Nameless, a Qin prefect, arrives at the Qin capital to meet with the King. The King has a rule that no visitors are allowed within 100 paces of him. Nameless claims to have killed three assassins that have made attempts on the King's life: Long Sky, Flying Snow, and Broken Sword. Nameless tells his version of events, then the King tells his version of events. Sorry, it's difficult to summarize this one without giving too much away.

Visually, this movie is stunning and I wasn't surprised to learn that this was the most expensive Chinese film ever made. The care that went into the aesthetics of each scene was unbelievable. The fight scenes felt more like ballet performances. I also love the structure of the movie, and how it kept you guessing throughout its entire length.

Highly recommended for anybody that loves film, even if wuxia films aren't typically your thing.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Quentin Tarantino helped get this movie released in America.

The Qin empire preferred the color black, even for their horses.

828. Dà Hóng Dēnglong Gāogāo Guà

Da Hong Denglong Gaogao Gua
Raise the Red Lantern
1991
Directed by Zhang Yimou

I have really been loving the Chinese films lately and we continue our happy trend with Raise the Red Lantern.  See, I can enjoy a Chinese movie without kung fu.  I'm cultured.

Songlian is the newest and fourth concubine of the Chen household.  Every night Master Chen chooses a concubine to sleep with.  The chosen concubine always receives red lanterns and a foot massage.  What a prince, right?  It's a constant competition between the mistresses to become the favorite of Master Chen and it quickly becomes clear that Songlian may not have what it takes to live such an existence.

Visually, this film is absolutely stunning.  Based on Zhang Yimou's earlier film Red Sorghum, I knew that I was in for an aesthetic masterpiece.  I was surprised at how engaging and heartbreaking the story was, as the plot in Red Sorghum, structurally speaking, was sort of a mess.  Kind of like that last sentence.

I read that this film was adapted into a ballet; that is something that I would love to see.  At least, that's what I say now.  When I actually saw a ballet I was bored and confused.  See?  Cultured.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Banned in China during the early nineties.

771. Hong Gaoliang

Hong Gaoliang
The Red Sorghum
1987
Directed by Zhang Yimou

I was absolutely convinced that this film was going to start with a rape and watched the first fifteen minutes in between my fingers.  I was kind of right, although I guess it would officially fall under the category of "dubious consent."  I am still not sure how I feel about this film, even after I have had several hours to reflect.

A young woman is sold by her father to a rich leper (even more rape-y vibes, although at least we don't have to see it).  She is being transported by sedan, when her wedding party is attacked by a bandit.  A member of her party is able to fight the man off and the two later have a tryst that kind of feels like rape.  Her husband dies, leaving her in charge of the distillery and while the workers suspect murder, they cannot identify a culprit.  The entire film is recounted by the woman's future grandson.

I felt like I missed the point of this movie, although I might be over thinking it.  It's only ambition might have been to tell a love story, but the male lead was so unlikable that I found it hard to root for the characters.  The narrator immediately identifies his grandmother and grandfather, taking some of the mystery out of the story.  I got excited when she took over the distillery.  I thought it was going to be like Far From A Madding Crowd, but somehow that plot line never fully became a tale of empowerment.  That's fine, but it made the remainder of the movie rather dull.  The ending felt really out of place, although I suppose its suddenness was intentional.

I am rambling quite a bit.  I guess I don't really think it deserves its place on the List, but I am not ready to call it a bad film.  It's my decisiveness that makes me such a good reviewer.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Acting debut of Gong Li.