Favorite Foreign Movies
I was first introduced to the world of foreign cinema through Godzilla movies (original ones) with Japanese subtitles, as a kid. I still remember the streaming characters moving from the right to the lest side of the screen...and the beautiful actresses. Now, my experience with foreign movies emulates the same experiences I have from reading good books.
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" returned me to the style and genre I've found so enjoyable but haven't had much of a chance to explore until recently. It's not a very complicated movie although it elicits the kind of response often reserved for artsy dramas. Very simple dialogue (for English speakers)...easy to follow twists in the plot. It doesn't even pronounce itself to be profound. Ang Lee poured his heart and soul into this movie. "Tiger and Dragon" was very character driven, which is something that I think Hollywood (in general) needs to learn. Characters make the plots -- not characters adapt to the plots. Many of the newer Chinese (5th Generation directors) movies remind me of the Hollywood produced black and white movies from the 1930s and 1940s. Those movies did not represent everyone fairly, but they did tend to have the quality that usually comes with some degree of censorship that force writers and directors to express ideas that might be censored.
A great way to learn about a little about a culture is to watch GOOD movies that showcase elements of that culture. Watching these has added greatly to my education. Most of my favorite foreign films hail from Asia, specifically PR China/Taiwan/Hong Kong. I'm very interested in this part of the world. I love the works by Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige and Tsui Hark. They always work with incredible talent at all levels, from the actors and actresses, to the soundtracks. In addition to these three, there are also some Iranian filmmakers whose works have inspired Zhang Yimou. Imagine being a source of his inspiration. That being said, I will definitely make it a point to seek out those works. As for Asian cinema in general, there is just SO MUCH out there. Dramas never really interested me a whole lot -- until I started watching these movies.
By the way...DON'T COMPARE EVERY MOVIE FROM CHINA OR TAIWAN WITH CROUCHING TIGER! The last thing I want to hear is, "From the creators of Crouching Tiger..." I suppose many of the companies believe that American (especially) audiences have had limited exposure to the world of action films from the Far East. I think maybe only a specific segment of the "American" market falls into this category. American tastes are as eclectic as they come and represented by all facets of the world.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon -- will always be my favorite. But, this movie reintroduced me to the 'world of subtitles,' and HK/China cinema. I like the Blockbuster description: "Two Legendary Warriors. A Legendary Sword. An Adventure Beyond Belief." I don't really consider it to be a Martial Arts. It's a drama -- like many of the other wonderful Chinese dramas I've come to enjoy. Starts out slow -- and unfolds into the most incredible plot. "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" describes the types of characters I like...there's always more to them than the surface indicates.
If you've recently started exploring the world of Chinese cinema, you'll most certainly have discovered the name Gong Li. She is a master of using simple expressions to convey meaning in a scene. She doesn't ever destroy a tavern, but she does wreak other forms of havoc every now and then. Her range is incredible -- from patient, ordinary citizen housewife who remains steadfast in spite of experiencing incredible losses, to triad mistress to angelic princess who stirs up mischief in the plans of a despotic conqueror. She even pulls of action scenes as well as she does deep emotional scenes. She even plays her own twin in one movie. No matter what role she has, she's luminous and always steals the scene. Zhang Ziyi also has this talent for illuminating a scene with her presence and for saying a lot with the least amount effort, although many of us are more used to seeing her beating the crap out of people, thanks to Crouching Tiger and Rush Hour 2. You'll also probably note that many of Gong Li's movies were directed by Chen Kaige or Zhang Yimou, two of my favorite directors.
Farewell My Concubine -- This takes a look into the lives of two Beijing Opera performers and a lady with whom they share a connection. I don't remember all the details, but it shows how the 1949 Communist takeover and later Cultural Revolution affected theirs and everyone else's lives. It covers the period before the takeover up until the end of the Cultural Revolution in 1976. It's more of an inner - struggle type of story. It's VERY slow in the beginning. It's actually the first movie in its class that I fast forwarded a bit. The opening story (flashback) didn't interest me a whole lot -- but I did learn from what I absorbed. When you watch these movies, you tend to see how China's incredible population has probably done more to shape its history and social structures (I believe), than anything else.
Not One Less - Young peasant substitute teacher, Wei Hinzi takes over a rural classroom after the real teacher has to leave for a month. One problem is that she's 13 and most of her students are only a few years younger. She also learns that the school has lost 20 students and that her job, in addition to teaching, is to ensure that there are no more losses. She loses one student to a track scout (running), but that's excusable. Then, things go downhill when the class troublemaker doesn't show up one day. She discovers he has gone to the city to help earn money for his mother's illness and to offset his family's debts. This isn't lost on the teacher -- but she wants her extra 10 Yuan that she was promised if she keeps any more students from leaving. From here on, she embarks on a mission you will not soon forget! Kids will really enjoy this one -- and so will the teachers. I encourage everyone to rent "Not One Less." The viewers become students in more than one way. For those who don't already know, this movie also hides a rather pleasant surprise that becomes apparent once the viewer sees the credits (watch the credits).
The Emperor and the Assassin -- Another wonderful an epic costume drama about the first Emperor of China. His childhood friend, lady Zhao, takes it upon herself to help him achieve his goal of unifying six remaining kingdoms. As he becomes more successful, he also becomes more tyrannical, seeking to exact revenge on Lady Zhao's homeland instead of merely assimilating it into the Qin Kingdom. It takes place in the 2nd century B.C. Gong Li as Lady Zhao is more like an angel in disguise in this movie, but her star is evenly matched by her co-stars, including the director himself -- who plays Li Buwei. Watch it more than once to "absorb" the details. There are quite a few details and discoveries, and most would confuse even an avid soap opera viewer. It's a bit over 2 hours, but you'll never know. The plot moves along briskly, and the character interactions are second to none. It's put together in 5 chapters to give clarity to the events. The plot to set up a reason for Qin's invasion of Yan, and the ultimate assassination rehearsal scene really brings to life Lady Zhao's sense of the clandestine. She has the patience of a saint and finally has to put an end to King Yeng Zheng's tyranny. I always think Chen Kaige was looking to show how the person who possesses the most power isn't necessarily the most powerful person. Lady Zhao held Yeng Zheng in her palms...and knew it.
The Last Emperor -- In English. Looks into the life of Pu'Yi, China's last emperor. It's basically his reflection on his own life through his experiences up to and beyond the 1949 Communist takeover and onward to the Cultural Revolution's tumultuous events and its eventual end. Very educational.
The Bride With White Hair 1/2 --
Red Sorghum --
Demigods and Semi devils -- The link is the official name. The on-line reviews might help you better understand this, but they certainly didn't help me try to explain it. Sometimes, mindless fun is a good thing. Basically, two sisters fight over a monk who has acquired amazing powers. One of the sisters (Gong Li) develops an unusual fascination with some other lady who is also in on this plot to steal his powers.
Chunking Express -- An interesting, almost "Pulp Fiction-like" movie that showcases the lives of 4 different people and how those lives intertwine. It's a little hard to explain. Faye Wong, China's premier songstress stars, and it's a great way for newcomers to be introduced to her.
Shanghai Triad -- Interesting 1930s Shanghai Gangster film that explores how someone never really stops being who he or she really is...It's a great study of human nature and change. Pay close attention to how the triad mistress (Xiao Jinbao) changes and how her relationship to her assistant, Shuesheng, changes too.
I'd love to see some B/W movie in this setting. The soundtrack is surprisingly good, and the context for each song makes it all the more enjoyable. Someone said that Gong Li actually sings all her parts. It's hard to nail one memorable scene because there are so many. Her performance of "Bright Moon" stands out to me as being one of the best of its kind, not to mention that the song itself is a gem.
Raise the Red Lantern -- Another look at the interesting life of a young lady who becomes "wife #4" to a wealthy landlord. Like many such movies, we never even see the man...This movie actually takes on a very dark side and leaves us wondering if there will be more than just tension in this 'household.' The cinematography for this psychological drama is incredible. There are many scenes that illustrate the tension. Gong Li pulls a perfect 11 out of 10 here in all possible ways -- especially when she isn't saying anything with her voice. But her character isn't the only one who's managed to bury her frustrations with this system...The more I see this, the more I see.
Temptress Moon -- No, it's not a porno, and it has a less suspicious name in some places. It takes place in 1930s Shanghai and deals with the old and new China making contact. This movie is borderline strange, but so are most of the characters. The basic message of this movie would appeal to "Mr. T." Don't do drugs. The ending of this movie is probably one of the best and most surprising you'll ever see. You'll have the same look on your face too...
To Live or Lifetimes -- I think everyone should see this. It's a dark comedy that peeks into the life of an average family's life during the turbulent 40s, 50s and 60s in China. I finished watching this having a greater understanding and appreciation for 'family values' and life's simpler things. "I don't care how rich or poor we are, I just want us to live happily together" is the recurring line in this film. This is one of my favorites of all time. I've seen it about 5 or 6 times now, and it never gets old. Near the end of the movie, Zhang Yimou really belts one into the problems created by the Cultural Revolution's handling of society and culture.
Xiu Xiu, the Sent Down Girl -- Xiu Xiu ("Sho Sho") is from the city. We find her at about a time near the end of the mayhem of the Cultural Revolution when former students and Red Guards were being disbanded. But, a part of that process involved "sending them down" to the countryside to work with the peasantry. Thousands had this experience. Xiu Xiu is sent to picturesque Tibet, an innocent minded student who thinks she'll work with horses. Somehow, she gets lost in the cracks (like hundreds) and is basically forgotten. She can't return home without the proper paperwork that she can only receive from the officials who come out to check on the sent-down people. These officials make promises to her...in exchange for taking advantage of her. Added to this is the fact that she is under the supervision of a Tibetan herder who, for all his power of presence (and being good with the rifle), can do nothing to help his charge. He is actually present during one of the scenes.
I did not like this movie simply because it seemed to miss the emotional depth that someone in her situation would experience. And...she did have a boyfriend we meet in the beginning -- and hear from in the end as the closing narrator. He has no other role during the time when we know he would be very concerned once Xiu Xiu does not return. We finally see the toll it's taken on her near the end. This movie was very graphic in an unnecessary, "Hollywood-ish" fashion. This might have been Joan Chen's directorial debut -- but she went for the graphic. She's gone for the graphic as an actress, too. She seemed to have trouble hitting the "strike zone" with this movie. Filming it illegally in the PRC's backyard was kind of cool though...
Wang Dulu, the original author of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," was "sent down" and probably died earlier than he might have otherwise, thanks to health issues caused by his experience as a laborer. These issues intrigue me about that vast nation -- and its incredible timeline. But, I try to understand without pointing fingers. We too have plenty of "ugly" periods in our history, and to understand why someone there wouldn't want to discuss the Cultural Revolution and the "sent down" people would be to understand why many people here see the "past as being the past."
The Road Home -- This movie is a rare GEM. Pound for pound, I feel that it's the best one I have listed here. It finally made its way to the rental shelves, and I think I checked it out on the first day. It's a simple love story that Hollywood could NEVER make, although there is a nod to a very successful Hollywood romance early in the movie. I think Zhang Yimou's inclusion of the poster from that movie says a lot about the principle character's belief in romantic ideals, even now. A successful engineer returns to a village in Northern China upon news of his father's death. His father had been a teacher. There, he meets his grieving mother (Zhao Di) who insists that his father be carried in the traditional way...by villagers on foot...instead of in the more modern motorcade. In addition to the shocking news, he has to find a way to carry out her wishes. He cannot convince her otherwise. Zhao Di has him get the old loom so she can weave the burial cloth for his father and her husband. While she's weaving the night away, he notices an old photo of his parents when they were a young couple...
The story is actually based on the experiences of the writer of the screenplay and novel. It was originally called "My Parents." This movie captures either a feeling or experience we've all had. Zhang Ziyi delivers a perfect game in this movie. You can actually see the wheels spinning in her head and feel Zhao Di's dilemma. Some people might say, "silly girl with a lot of time on her hands," but remember that she was her mother's caretaker. The stubborn determination never left her...from her mother making her get into that bed after she spent a day waiting in the cold for the teacher to return, to later on when her son did the same...after she had spent hours in the cold mourning the loss of her husband.
My favorite scene of the flashback occurs when Zhao Di fixes up the temporarily abandoned school-house. I also found the "sleeping beauty" part to be very nicely done. When she wakes up after being found half frozen, she sheds one little tear. Of course, the part that led up to this was replayed again by this actress when her character tried another bone-headed scheme that found her passed out in a desert instead of being frozen on a road.
The other part I love about this is how the son processed all this and stood up to the task in spite of his own grief.
The soundtrack by San Bao recreates the heart and soul of the movie, especially as it occurs at the end. He also did the theme song for "Not One Less." Both movies' soundtracks appear on the same cd. This movie falls into a category by itself. "The Road Home" is simple, and life affirming and very true to what I've always thought of romance.
Failan -- Should be to spouses what "The Road Home" is for elderly parents and their adult children. This movie is downright depressing from the get-go, and Cecilia Cheung's innocently beautiful portrayal of Failan combined with Choi Min-shik's masterful handling of Lee Kang-jae, her horrible husband drives the message home even moreso. I won't describe the details. He never lays a hand on her. No...he actual never SEES her until...
This is the kind of movie that they make in Korea that Hollywood loves to steal. I think the original story comes from Japan. It was remade by a Korean director. Since being here in Japan, I've been able to watch many Korean music videos. Many of these videos are miniature masterpieces.
I especially enjoyed the scenes where Failan is practicing her Korean.
Once Upon a Time in China Series -- With CTHD's entry to videodom, a few other movies were released to the local movie rental stores. I checked these out and saw Jet Li as I actually prefer to see him -- in a period action movie. I've only seen the dubbed versions. I'd love to see the subtitled versions to get the real feel of what was going on.
Iron Monkey (1993) -- I enjoyed this movie a lot. It was a nice action film that was given all the trappings of many art-house movies. The scenery and lighting were fall-like, which is a little detail that will always make me like a movie slightly more.
Mulan -- Not a foreign film at all, but worthy of the original language and subtitles. This story is actually based on a legend that was created around 300 AD. In the legend, Mulan-Ha, a young woman who dresses up like a man (no restaurant fights) and fights in the army. The Disney version is based on a revision of the original story -- that was revised in the 1300s. The "Disney-fication" annoyed me a little, but the story was presented well. I think it would have made a better anime styled story.
Princess Mononoke -- A real treat and another inspiration for me to pursue this direction for my own work. Visually stunning with plenty of contemporary themes.
The Warriors/Musa -- Set in the late 14th century, it's a story about a group of Korean ambassadors who have to make their return from China to Korea. They end up having to take the desert route to avoid the hostile Ming and Mongol forces. This takes place right after the Ming Dynasty took control of China from the Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty. They encounter/rescue Ming Princess Buyong who goes along on this mission and faces the same dangers along with everyone else in the band. From what I know, it will be released next year here, and I have a feeling that this is going to be another one of those movies that leaves a permanent impression on all who see it. It will depict each individual's story and show people's transformations from worse to better.
The Legend of Zu Mountain -- Director Tsui Hark remade his own movie from 1983. From what I hear, there's lots of wild, fun action.
Hero -- This will be the most anticipated movie from Asia in years. I say this, because "Crouching Tiger" blindsided us. It kind of snuck up on the audiences here. Now, everyone sees "Hero" coming, and they'll be tossing every descriptive cliche at this movie based on "Crouching Tiger.".It's another take on the first Emperor of China, this time w/ martial arts magic and Wuxia. Maggie Cheung, Jet Li and Zhang Ziyi will star. This looks like it will be the epic movie of 2002! I can hardly wait. Zhang Yimou is reunited w/ Zhang Ziyi. She has a relatively small role. Maggie Cheung is a joy to watch. She's probably more athletic than Ms. Zhang. If you don't believe me, just watch "The Heroic Trio," which wasn't really that great of a movie. (Actually, it was terrible!) Jet Li? I always enjoy when he plays in period role instead of modern roles.
Chunhyang -- Korean story about a Governor's son who literally falls for and then marries the daughter (Chunhyang) of a Kisaeng. The Governor gets a promotion, and his son, Moon-Ryong goes off to a state exam for a higher position. Meanwhile, the new governor moves into the region and rules corruptly. He discovers Chunhyang and wants her to become a Kisaeng for his governorship. She refuses, stating that she is not on the role...and that she is already spoken for. The governor cannot serve two kings, and she cannot serve two husbands. The governor punishes her for this, severely and throws her into prison where she is to be held until her execution on his birthday. It so happens that Moon-Ryong passes the exam successfully and becomes a state official. He hears news of Chunhyang's predicament -- and of her loyalty. This sets the stage for a nice little surprise visit to the Governor's mansion!
The Silk Road -- The movie I saw had Japanese actors playing the roles of Tang Dynasty travelers on the renown "Silk Road." It was interesting to see 'pre-Mongolian' people portrayed. The story has a strange twist or two, but it makes sense in the end.
The Blue Kite -- A coming of age movie that delves into the lives of a family before and during the Cultural Revolution.
The Wooden Man's Bride -- Another look into arranged marriages in China in the early part of the 1900s. I love this movie because the hero is a real man in the end. This is how every man should be towards his wife! Like Chunghyang, the hero rescues the lady...but like that movie, the lady in TWMB isn't a shrinking violet. She too takes abuse for her position...and is well rewarded in the end.
Bichunmoo -- I watched this the first time in Korean, no subtitles. So, you'd think I'd be completely lost? Not at all! This is another hidden treasure that probably got eclipsed by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, since both were released in 2000. The story takes a while to develop, but we understand the characters early on. It has the HK style fight scenes...but there's a lot of depth and some techniques I haven't seen before.. The gorgeous lead actress's character comes through for all of those who like to see the ladies kick some butt.
Cool Links:
maiandream -- A great site that proves I'm not alone...