Farewell My Concubine. Literature & Language. Term Paper

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About Movies
Farewell My Concubine
The film is set in the Chinese rural ancient authoritarian era—however, the film transitions from the ancient setting and pans to modernity at the Peking Opera. Two orphaned boys of a young age are trained thoroughly in the Peking. This training is done forcefully and radically against their will but eventually bears fruits. The theme of love has been depicted in the film in diverse and indirect ways. The film’s original love story has been brought out as a love triangle. In the film, Dieyi is portrayed as a heterosexual who is in love with Xiaolou, the King. The King, however, does not feel the same way about Dieyi and ends up marrying the beautiful Juxian. The wife to the King, who is portrayed as a prostitute, shatters Dieyi’s hopes of ever being loved back. He hence has to deal with jealousy and the torturous reality that the King does not share the same feelings. Contrary to what is expected, the King’s wife shows compassion to Dieyi, irrespective of being treated with contempt. However, the two friends ironically develop a close relationship as Juxian intervenes and brings out the best in them. She proves her loyalty, love, and support to the King even during the military defeat. Love is also depicted in the backstage scenes of fascinating romance and lovemaking.
The film expresses brutality in Chinese history by the communist movement, and the characters face challenges of war and homelessness. The plot reflects a modern Chinese history that influenced by harsh and authoritative politics. Chinese attire, the structures in the film, and the art stand out in the movie and predominantly defines their culture. The movie has a solid historical background of the era of warlords to the Japanese invasion up until the Cultural Revolution. The film takes place during a time of cultural transitions when political and cultural changes are taking place regularly. The cultural transitions changed the perspectives and views of critical aspects of Chinese culture. The idea of culture is evident in Dieyi’s hesitation to share his feelings towards the King since same-sex marriage is forbidden. The intrusion of the Red Guards in this society affects some characters negatively and leads to a paradigm shift. For instance, Dieyi’s influence due to his talent and beauty comes to an end as the Peking is shut down after the war. The movie seemingly rebukes discrimination of women and the brutality of the Japanese invasion. It is evident in the movie that masters contributed significantly to the erosion of cultural norms. Arguably, Dieyi is forced into homosexuality by being trained to play female roles in the Opera, which he eventually adopts. There is evidence of corruption since there are instances where Dieyi is favored due to his beauty. Women seemingly do not have equal access to opportunities and have to resort to prostitution to earn a living. Through the characters, attires, and props in the movie, it is easy to understand the Chinese culture. There is, however, a shallow view of the cultural and historical background of this society in the movie.
Besides Dieyi being attracted to men, his position as a woman in the society has conflicting sides. He turns out to be mixed up in his feelings and seems not to be straightforward about his sense of identity in the film. In the film, he says, “At sixteen I am a nun, my shorn at youths prime yet I am by nature a girl, not a boy,” which confirms his confusion. Women are viewed as less authoritative; they are derailed and abused by men in this society. Women face the harsh effects of toxic masculinity due to the vulnerability of the gender influenced by societal cultures and traditions. For instance, an older man rapes Dieyi’s mother, and she is also a prostitute; hence she satisfies men’s sexual needs to earn a living. The themes of gender politics and female sexuality are dominantly pronounced in the film. Ironically, Dieyi’s mother is a prostitute, yet he is disturbed by the fact that Juxian comes between him and Xiaolou. Due to the perception of women as weak in this society, he feels contempt and seems to talk about women with prejudice. Beauty is an idea that has been brought out when describing the passionate illusion of love between the King and his wife. Dieyi is also portrayed to meet specific standards of beauty that contribute to his success through favors. The concept of physical beauty in the film is associated with success, but towards the end, this idea changes as women are abused sexually by men. The director of the film, however, does not take attack prostitutes; instead, they are depicted as unfortunate in society.
The film exhibits a ravishing classy look with a transparent and intellectual approach. The lighting and the props used in the movie predominantly defines the mood of the film. The general lighting is dull and dreamy, which relates to the social evils in society. The film narrates suicides, betrayal, drug addiction, and miscarriage, among other social evils. The movie contains several instances of memories and nostalgia. For instance, the engagement of Xiaolou and Juxian while she works at the Notorious House. Furthermore, memorability is evident when Red Guards betray decent victims by demeaning them as worthless people. The music used speaks volumes about Chinese culture and gives meaning to the mood of each scene. The sound effects perform transitional functions in the film; it has been used to create impressions of horrific and suspense scenes. The choice of characters perfectly matches their roles in terms of talents and natural looks. The director performs quality effects by diffusing light and creates a cinematic unrealistic film mood that helps to bring out the characters in the narrative. The production design, costumes, and make have been used intricately to bring out a classy and captivating plot full of depth.
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
The film is set in the ancient Chinese traditional society. The film contains strong themes of love, rivalry, gender, and sexuality. It is a fantasy story of a romantic epic with a dominant theme of feminism. Li mu Bai is a legendary warrior chosen by his master to take care of the Green mythical Destiny sword. He gives the ancient sword to Yu Shu lien when he retires due to the trust and the love they share. The theme of love is also evident between the relationship of Jen Yu and Lo. It is also interesting that Li mu Bai gives up his sword and his warrior’s life for love. However, Li’s love for Yu Shu lien fails to establish due to traditions. She was previously engaged to Li’s brother before his death, and despite both of them being in love, they could not express it. The film unveils that Yu was equally in love with Li mu Bai. Towards the end of the film, when Li dies, Yu Shu cries with rage and develops a vindictive urge towards Jen. In an account of Li’s words to Yu Shu, he says, “During meditation training, I came to a place of deep silence. I was surrounded by light; time and space disappeared. It was a place my master never told me about.” These words are used passionately in the film to describe his attraction and love for Yu Shu. Lo Dark Cloud attacks a police officer in pursuit to apprehend Jen Yu, and by protecting her, he declares his love. Lo proves his love again when he patiently waits to reunite with Jen at Wudan mountain after he was rejected. Jade also expresses her disappointment and rage towards Jen, who she loved but finally betrayed her.
Yu Shu is depicted as an independent and responsible woman. When she loses the ancient sword, she owns up to the mistake and attacks Jade fox. Both Yu Shu and Jade fox portray sophisticated martial arts skills and are respected for their strength. W...