Tag Archives: Zhangke Jia

Best of New Generation Chinese Cinema (10+1list)

Best of New Generation Chinese Cinema.

written by Souranath Banerjee

In a broader sense, Chinese Film Industry includes films made in the mainland China as well as the Cinema of Hong Kong and Taiwan, and they are primarily in two different dialects – Mandarin and Cantonese.

In the year 1905, the Peking opera-themed The Battle of Dingjunshan was the first Chinese film ever made.

Since then, over the years, in spite of several political interferences such as the Japanese invasion, periods of Communist Party propaganda and the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese Film Industry has managed to flourish and create it’s own place globally.

Many Chinese films including Infernal Affairs (directed by Wai-Keung Lau and Alan Mak) and Eat Drink Man Woman (directed by Ang Lee) are successfully remade in the west as The Departed and Tortilla Soup respectively.

And today, China has evolved as one of the biggest movie market in the world!

So, let’s celebrate some of the finest films from the most talented New-Gen Chinese directors who beautifully portray the history of their nation and are also directly responsible for the recent global success of Chinese Cinema.

Let the show begin.

10. In the Heat of the Sun (1994)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeWN-SWLLbE

in-the-heat-of-the-sun-posterDuring Cultural Revolution in Beijing there was absolute freedom for the younger generation.

Directed by Wen Jiang, this is the brutal story of a young boy who along with his teenage friends grew up recklessly in the 60s, a turbulent time for China and her people. 

The film successfully preserves the mood and feel of that era, the boy’s emotions, infatuations and bravery.

Other famous films by the same director Devils on the Doorstep (2000) and Let the Bullets Fly (2010)

9. A City of Sadness (1989)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caU7X7LV-5E

city-of-sadness-posterDirected by Hsiao-Hsien Hou, this one is probably the most underrated and yet one of the best historical films made in China.

The film depicts the traumatic history of Taiwan through the lives of four brothers who struggle to coup with the ever changing political scenario around them. Brilliant acting and superb storytelling.

Other famous films by the same director The Assassin (2015) and Three Times (2005)

8. Mountain Patrol (2004)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9hCEsOSQiA

mountain-patrol-posterThe vast mountains of tibet, the home of the wild and elegant antelopes, the land of peace.

And when their land is threatened by hunters who illegally slaughtered the endangered Tibetan Antelopes, the local villagers form a team – The Tibetan Mountain Patrol to fight with the poachers. 

Directed by Chuan Lu, this beautiful film is a must watch.

Other famous films by the same director City of Life and Death (2009).

7. Red Cliff (2008)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd0bqLQrtdE

red-cliff-posterChina’s Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.), the final days of the Han Dynasty and the time when the biggest battle in Chinese History was fought – the battle of Red Cliff.  

Directed by John Woo, this is the first part of that epic battle, the second one being Red Cliff II (2009).

Best historical war film from China.

Other famous films by the same director The Killer (1989) and Hard Boiled (1992).

6. Lust, Caution (2007)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0o3yNnbCR4

lust-caution-poster1A dangerous and cautious plan of seduction is being executed by a young woman to entrap an influential politician.

Set in Japanese-ruled Shanghai during World War II era, the game of lust is being played between Tony Chiu Wai Leung and Wei Tang, the two superb actors. 

A fine piece of cinema by none other than ace director Ang Lee.

Other famous films by the same director The Wedding Banquet (1993) and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000).

5. To Live (1994)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAZUbjttUPc

to-live-posterFrom the 40’s to the 70’s, through the turbulent and uncertain times in China, a family desperately struggles ‘to live’.

Even though they lost their personal fortunes and are caught up in the war, the family is determined to survive.

Directed by Yimou Zhang, a bag of mixed emotions and a complete package of Chinese history.

Other famous films by the same director Raise the Red Lantern (1991) and Hero (2002).

4. Yi Yi (2000)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F6tSorwYqw

yi-yi-posterThe film tells the story of a family living in Taipei, an ordinary family with simple day to day emotions like love, fear, disappointment, anxieties and joy.

Directed by Edward Yang, the little emotional tales of each of these family members makes you unconsciously become a part of them. A powerful film of great simplicity.

Other famous films by the same director A Brighter Summer Day (1991) and That Day, on the Beach (1983).

3. Comrades: Almost a Love Story (1996)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVyeMkUy9KI

comrades-almost-a-love-story-posterA boy meets a girl and even if they didn’t want to, they fall for each other.

How many films have been made on the above storyline but yet when director Peter Chan made this film, it became one of the most intriguing love story!

Set in Hong kong and New York, this one is one of the best romantic film ever made. 

Other famous films by the same director Dragon (2011) and The Warlords (2007).

2. A Touch of Sin (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUJt_kf7uKQ

touch-of-sin-poster1Director Zhangke Jia has been the best thing that happened to China in the recent years and this film is one of his best work till date.

Four stories, connected with the act of violence in them!

The film is a statement on China’s present social and political scenario, a chilling take on the country’s oppression and corruption, a story of revolt and despair.

Other famous films by the same director are The World (2004) and Pick Pocket (1997).

1. In the Mood for Love (2000)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnFjSHQFVkA

in-the-mood-for-love-posterThe direction of Kar Wai Wong, the powerful acting by Tony Chiu Wai LeungMaggie Cheung, the brilliant cinematography by Christopher Doyle, the melancholic and soulful music of Michael Galasso and Shigeru Umebayashi – all in one package and it doesn’t get better than this!

A film that is the ultimate take on love and separation, a visual masterpiece, an experience.

Other famous films by the same director Chungking Express (1994) and 2046 (2004).

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most profound and unique one. A must watch).

+1. Farewell My Concubine (1993)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC-_SLiRnJE

farewell-my-concubine-posterTwo men who were apprentices in the Peking Opera (Beijing), two performers,stage brothers, and their two parallel yet intertwined stories!

A film of extraordinary beauty and masterful acting, the story of two who remain friends for life.

Directed by Kaige Chen, the film is a visual treat, elaborate costumes and exotic locations and historical accurate story telling.

Other famous films by the same director The Emperor and the Assassin (1998) and Yellow Earth (1984).

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.listal.com, www.freecodesource.comwww.cinemagora.co.ukchinesemov.com.

JIO MAMI – Day 1 and Day 2 (Cinema at it’s best)

JIO MAMI – Day 1 and Day 2.

written by Souranath Banerjee

JIO MAMI 17th Mumbai Film Festival, 200 films from over 35 countries – it’s happening right now, right here and it’s a heaven for film lovers.

Registrations and Bookings at in.bookmyshow.com

A brief description of the superb cinemas i have watched in the first two days of the festival, detailed review coming up soon.

 

Day 1 (30th OCT)

Youth (2015), my first film in MAMI and it’s an absolute work of brilliance.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T7CM4di_0c

youth-posterDirected by genius Paolo Sorrentino, the film is already competing for the prestigious Palme d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival.

A film that makes the old become nostalgic of ‘youth’, a film about friendships and relationships, it’s about remembering them, respecting them and appreciating them.

Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel suits their roles so well and has such a great chemistry. Paul DanoJane Fonda and Rachel Weisz at their best.

Roly Serrano playing the part of Diego Maradona and also, you can’t miss the super hot Madalina Diana Ghenea as the Miss Universe.

 

Sunset Song (2015) was the second film of the day and it was such a contrast to the first one!

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MYnCDEAfiE

Though i must confess that this film was not my first choice for the Sunset-Song-posterafternoon, but since The Lobster show got cancelled/rescheduled I decided on this one.

And i won’t particularly say i regret my decision.

Directed by Terence Davies, it is a story of a girl (Agyness Deyn), the daughter of a farmer who wants to live her life to it’s fullest.

Though she makes a few tough choices and become successful in turning her life better, but the people and their circumstances keep changing and it’s a hard task to keep up with it.

Set in the early 1900, (before the WW1) in the vastness of the Scottish landscape, the film has brilliant sets and perfect costumes. And awesome camera work by Michael McDonough, most of the frames look like classical paintings of the era.

 

And the third one is one outstanding film Mountains May Depart (2015).

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzkKT2wzCXk

Mountains-may-depart-posterDirected by legendary Chinese director Zhangke Jia, a film also competing for the prestigious Palme d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Three primary characters and how their lives changes in three different time periods: 1999, 2014, and 2025.

The story has such powerful emotions flowing through the different time-periods, through the ages of time. And each character is unique in it’s own way.

Tao ZhaoYi ZhangJing Dong Liang and Zijian Dong – outstanding performance by all of them.

 

Day 2 (31st OCT)

Was ready to watch acclaimed director Amit Dutta‘s film Aadmi Ki Aurat Aur Anya Kahaniya (2009) but due to some problem with the nainsukh-posterprint Nainsukh (2010) was shown instead. Another film by the same director and it’s such a beautiful film!

A biography of an 18th-century master painter named Nainsukh from Himachal Pradesh.

The film is a visual treat, detailed to perfection. Hardly a few words spoken throughout the film but the impact of it is profound.

The film has been screened and appreciated in many festivals around the world including the 67th Venice film festival and regarded as a masterpiece of Indian modernism.

 

The second of the day was Placebo (2014), an intense hybrid of docu-drama, animation and fantasy!

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrdLPrZzjh8

placebo-poster

India’s toughest grad school, extreme academic pressure, vulnerable young minds and a tendency of self inflicted violence!

Director Abhay Kumar explores the mind space of the restless youth, their dreams, their expressions, their frustrations, and their madness.

A documentary that has managed to focus on a lot of unsaid and often ignored matters that actually affect the lives of our next generation. A very unique film and also probably the most important cinema in the festival.

 

And finally, the third one, the last but not the least of the day, a film called Krisha (2015).

Actually planned to watch Guy Maddin‘s The Forbidden Room, since i loved one of his earlier film My Winnipeg but somehow his latest work couldn’t hold my attention for long. It may be a great film but not my kind of film.

So, along with my new friend Zeena (who was also leaving the hall), krisha-posterwe went next door to watch Krisha, a film written and directed by Trey Edward Shults.

A Thanksgiving dinner party threatened to be ruined when Krisha (who is in her 60s) decides to join her beloved family members after a time gap of 10 years.

And it turned out to be a superbly dramatic film, and what a great performance by Krisha Fairchild!

The tapping music along with quick camera movements and very realistic acting makes this film a great watch.

 

My second day of MAMI ends with this film. Eagerly waiting for the next few days of uninterrupted cinema. Bring it on.

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.recentmovieposters.comwww.imdb.commrinaldesai.com.