23 Feb The film To Live is a 1994 Chinese film directed by Zhang Yimou and adapted from Yu Hua’s novel. The film tells the story of the Fugui and Jiazhen couple living in China during the turbulent
social science writing question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.
Choose one or two scenes from the film and describe in detail not only what the film tries to say, but also how it is said. In other words, pay close attention to the relationship between the story elements (plot, character, etc.), the language of film (mise-en-sce?ne, editing, sound, cinematography, etc.) and the society. The film talks about, as well as the society that creates the film. A reaction paper should not be a plot summary or a biography of the director, nor should it merely be your opinion of the film.
Requirements: 3 pages
The film To Live is a 1994 Chinese film directed by Zhang Yimou and adapted from Yu Hua’s novel. The film tells the story of the Fugui and Jiazhen couple living in China during the turbulent years of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The rich gambler Fugui lost everything in a mahjong match. He must learn to live a simple life with his family. In the process of fighting for survival, they were separated from their children during the Chinese Civil War and experienced the Great Leap forward and the Cultural Revolution. Through their hardships, they learned the true meaning of love, family and sacrifice. The film is a powerful illustration of the impact of political upheaval on the lives of ordinary people and the importance of maintaining resilience and hope in the face of adversity. In this film, shadow puppetry runs through from beginning to end, and it also represents different meanings.
Shadow puppets are employed as a motif to convey many concepts and ideas?throughout the storyline in the film To Live. All across the movie, the shadow puppets appear multiple times, and each time they emerge, they represent something different.
In To Live, shadow puppets are used both literally and symbolically. The main character, Fugui, is introduced to the audience living a life of pleasure and prosperity. He enjoys watching a performance of shadow puppets with his friends. The puppets are being introduced to us for the first time at this scene and?stands?for amusement and pleasure. While?as the narrative goes on, the shadow puppets’ significance evolves.
After Fugu lost everything, including his home and family, he was forced to become a shadow puppet. The transformation of Fugui from a wealthy man into a shadow puppet is a tragic example of how individuals must adapt to changing circumstances during political turmoil. Fugui initially hesitated to accept his new occupation, which was considered as a low-level and insignificant occupation by the society around him. However, he soon realized the value of his puppeteer skills and how they could help his family in times of great need. Shadow puppets are now more than entertainment and leisure. They have become a means of survival and an expression of Fugui’s resilience against the odds. Thanks to his work as a shadow puppet, Fugui rebuilt his life and supported his family despite the difficult circumstances he faced. Shadow puppets as a symbol of survival and adaptation are evidence of human spirit and its ability to cope with large-scale challenges.
In the latter part of the film, the shadow puppets take on a more somber and tragic tone. As the Great Leap Forward policy devastates China, causing widespread famine and death, the shadow puppets are used as a haunting symbol of the tragic events that unfold. We see the puppets being performed in the streets, with the performers using them to tell stories of loss and hardship. The shadow puppets become a stark reminder of the suffering and death that many Chinese people experienced during this time. They are a symbol of the darkness and tragedy that befell the country, and they serve as a potent reminder of the human cost of political turmoil and misguided policies.
The recurring motif of shadow puppets in the film To Live provides a powerful visual representation of the different stages of Fugui’s life and the societal changes taking place in China during this period. They are a metaphor for the challenges and transformations experienced by the Chinese people as a whole. The puppets serve as a powerful symbol of the film’s themes of survival, resilience, and the devastating impact of political turmoil on the lives of ordinary people. The use of shadow puppets is also a tribute to China’s rich cultural heritage and the importance of storytelling in Chinese culture. In summary, the use of shadow puppets is a masterful element of the film, enhancing its impact and conveying its powerful message to audiences.
