"Is our duty to be accountable to the people. Being accountable to the people means that every word, every action and policy as ours, must be consistent with the interests of the people. And if we make mistakes, we correct them".
These are passionate words of Mao Zedong, uttered a few years before proclaiming the People's Republic of China following the triumph of the revolution that the same leader. Like all well-intentioned words of all world leaders, these are not fulfilled to the letter, because the rulers represent the head of chess, but many parts of the government stake, but those have to answer for some of his acts. And, middle managers, many mistakes, excesses and violations of the laws, can be committed by ignorance, dishonesty or abuse of authority... Of course, there will be orders that come from the top and that, conversely, are the media employees who bear the responsibility.
Zhang Yimou, without doubt one of the most qualified directors of contemporary cinema and perhaps the number one in China, seems to have the best memories of the Cultural Revolution and movies like "Ju Dou" or "Raise the Red Lantern" which, as this, critics buried the unfortunate actions of the regime, have cost censorship and close supervision to all their projects.
"¡LIVE!" is very accurate recreation of the life of a modest family, over several decades that started in the 40'... just on the eve of the People's Revolution. And Yimou accomplished effectively, and with very specific actions that play with feeling, with the freedom of action and expression, and the denial of certain rights, a plea to make it clear that strikes, a full three inches below the breastbone.
Gong Li, his muse, his girlfriend and her lover, for several years, Jiazhen embodies the typical woman firm, clear in its objectives, able to survive with courage and fortitude to the worst tragedies. Her husband, Fugui, resembles a bird of ill omen, and the love between them seems born to those who lived no closer. Full of variegated hues, the Xu family life is intense, and she - like any other Family - emerge roses and thorns, while, with great subtlety, Yimou is giving subtle details of the oppression that obscures the legendary, and no doubt significant, under Mao. And if anyone wants to see indirect allusions to what the Chinese now live, you may find something that makes you nod.
And there are things like perseverance brings reward, and the good that is hidden in all evil, or as inherent serenity to accept what goes against what is expected, this inspiring film, let us reach for a good reflection.
And remember: ¡Whatever happens, you must live!, ¡This is the decision of the brave!
These are passionate words of Mao Zedong, uttered a few years before proclaiming the People's Republic of China following the triumph of the revolution that the same leader. Like all well-intentioned words of all world leaders, these are not fulfilled to the letter, because the rulers represent the head of chess, but many parts of the government stake, but those have to answer for some of his acts. And, middle managers, many mistakes, excesses and violations of the laws, can be committed by ignorance, dishonesty or abuse of authority... Of course, there will be orders that come from the top and that, conversely, are the media employees who bear the responsibility.
Zhang Yimou, without doubt one of the most qualified directors of contemporary cinema and perhaps the number one in China, seems to have the best memories of the Cultural Revolution and movies like "Ju Dou" or "Raise the Red Lantern" which, as this, critics buried the unfortunate actions of the regime, have cost censorship and close supervision to all their projects.
"¡LIVE!" is very accurate recreation of the life of a modest family, over several decades that started in the 40'... just on the eve of the People's Revolution. And Yimou accomplished effectively, and with very specific actions that play with feeling, with the freedom of action and expression, and the denial of certain rights, a plea to make it clear that strikes, a full three inches below the breastbone.
Gong Li, his muse, his girlfriend and her lover, for several years, Jiazhen embodies the typical woman firm, clear in its objectives, able to survive with courage and fortitude to the worst tragedies. Her husband, Fugui, resembles a bird of ill omen, and the love between them seems born to those who lived no closer. Full of variegated hues, the Xu family life is intense, and she - like any other Family - emerge roses and thorns, while, with great subtlety, Yimou is giving subtle details of the oppression that obscures the legendary, and no doubt significant, under Mao. And if anyone wants to see indirect allusions to what the Chinese now live, you may find something that makes you nod.
And there are things like perseverance brings reward, and the good that is hidden in all evil, or as inherent serenity to accept what goes against what is expected, this inspiring film, let us reach for a good reflection.
And remember: ¡Whatever happens, you must live!, ¡This is the decision of the brave!