This is one of a surprising number of films with excellent credentials which are not only little known, but virtually impossible to find a copy. My first copy was taped off German TV which means it was dubbed into German as are nearly all the films shown. I now have a DVD from France which at least presents the film in its original Cantonese, but with only french subtitles (which I can just about cope with). However I fail to see why this film has never been available in any of the English-speaking markets.
What is so special about it -- apart from it being a great deal of fun? Well its co-stars are Zhang Yimou best known as the revered Chinese director of such classics as "Raise the Red Lantern" and "The Story of Qiu Ju" and his then-muse Gong Li, herself an iconic figure in modern Chinese cinema. The story is in two main parts starting some 3000 years ago when the then emperor was searching for an immortality formula, as well as preparing his tomb with its army of soldiers. Zhang plays one of his bodyguards having a tempestuous affair with one of his concubines. When their shame is discovered she throws herself into the flames after passing by mouth an immortality capsule and he is coated in clay to become one of the tomb inhabitants -- the suggestion being that most of the figures were actually disgraced criminals and the like so punished.
Flash forward to the 1930s when Gong Li is playing a would-be film star of questionable intelligence and depth on the set of a film which is actually a front for the search for buried treasure. When a plane crashes beneath the surface of the terrain, the now immortal Zhang emerges from his clay tomb and recognizes his long lost love -- who of course thinks he is some sort of nutcase. There follows a succession of gags as Zhang encounters modern advances for the first time and also some rather spectacular action sequences which would not embarrass better known kung fu stars as he attempts to protect his love. It's all done with a great sense of enjoyment and it is amusing to see Li in such a carefree and silly mode.
For goodness sake, would someone please get this movie onto DVD so that the American and British viewing public can discover this little gem.
2 comments:
Sounds a gooden JP :) Rache
A decided change of pace for both Zhang Yimou and Gong Li and an absolute
delight. A well-constructed back story leads into a convincing 1930s scenario
with the main actors all enjoying themselves without their enjoyment in any way
spoiling the film. I was surprised at the many faces of Gong Li, all of them a
delight, havign previously seen only the unspoilt beauty on the one hand and the
highly maquillaged mask on the other. As you say, one wonders what the barrier
to this film receiving a wider distribution is.
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