A film about Chinese underground filmmakers who were the first to express their truthful and realistic views on China from 1989 until today. It is also the first film to speak about the Chinese homosexual film scene. The documentary features Chinese intellectuals and directors such as Cui Zi’en, Jia Zhangke, Ju An Qi, Li Yu, Liu Bingjian, Liu Hao, Wang Xiaoshuai, Zhang Yuan.
An exploration of Chinese cinema and its relationships with gender and sexuality, which the film argues has been more frankly and provocatively explored than in any other national cinema. Utilizing both film excerpts and interviews with many leading directors and academics, the film examines topics such as male bonding in kung fu movies, depictions of same-sex bonding and physical intimacy, the emphasis on women's grievances in melodramas, and the career of Yam Kim-Fai, a Hong Kong actress who spent her life portraying men on and off the screen.
The one directorial feature by Ning Dai, sister of 5th generation filmmaker Ning Ying and wife of 6th generation filmmaker Zhang Yuan. It follows a chaotic period in November of 1993, when production suddenly halted on Zhang Yuan's TV film adaptation of a popular novel, Chicken Feathers, after the Chinese Film Bureau announced that Zhang could no longer direct the film due to submitting his previous independent feature, 1992's Beijing Bastards, to a film festival in Japan without receiving the proper authorization to do so. Ning's documentary features anguished meetings between the Chicken Feather's production crew as they debate replacing Zhang with another director, along with testimonials on the state of censorship in Chinese independent cinema of the early '90s from Wu Wenguang, Tang Danian, He Jianjun, Cui Jian, and others.
The story continues with Na Xinting’s unwavering commitment to his patriotic duty, even as he faces mounting threats from multiple forces. His relationship with the Daoist leader, Shen Jiu, is a key dynamic, as Shen’s fiery patriotism shakes Na’s worldview. Meanwhile, various factions, including government troops, traitors, and foreign mercenaries, close in on the hidden treasure. The situation escalates into a tense struggle for control of the treasure and the fate of the mountain village. Na is forced to navigate complex alliances and betrayals as he seeks to protect the treasure and his newfound Daoist allies.
The story revolves around the mysterious disappearance of the Eastern Tombs' treasures, drawing in high-ranking military and political figures like Chiang Kai-shek and Yan Xishan. As they scramble to resolve the situation, a web of intrigue unfolds involving tomb raiders, corrupt officials, and conflicting allegiances. At the center of the action is Na Xinting, who finds himself entangled with a group of masked Daoists, romance, and betrayal, all while he tries to uncover the truth behind the missing treasure.
Yuan Zhang (张元) is a Chinese filmmaker and actor.
By browsing this website, you accept our cookies policy.
