Peking opera masterpieces get special 3D screening treatment
Peking Opera artists Shang Changrong (left) and Yan Xingpeng collaborated again on the new 3D Peking Opera movie.
The 3D Peking opera film “Cao Cao and Yang Xiu” held a special screening at the Shanghai Film Art Center on August 31. Its cast, including Peking Opera artist Shang Changrong, director Teng Junjie and producer Shan Yuejin, talked with Peking Opera fans and scholars about the stories behind the camera.
The film started its national release on August 30. It was premiered during the 21st Shanghai International Film Festival in June.
Shot in 4K resolution, the film is based on the classic Peking opera play of the same name. It depicts the delicate relationship between the powerful Eastern Han warlord Cao Cao (AD 155-220) and his adviser Yang Xiu. The film is also an in-depth exploration and portrayal of humanity.
The original story is selected from Chinese literature classic “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” in which Cao is depicted as a suspicious warlord greedy for power and Yang is portrayed as a versatile but conceited young scholar.
In 1988, the Peking Opera play created by the Shanghai Peking Opera Company was a big success. Thirty years later, the play’s leading performers — Shang Changrong and Yan Xingpeng — collaborated again on the new 3D Peking Opera movie.
“The film combines traditional Chinese theater art with modern 3D cinematography and technology,” says Shang, who is excited to see many young people attracted to the screening. “It presents stunning visuals and a new style of aesthetics on the screen.”
Yan, who plays Yang Xiu in the film, says the original Peking Opera stage production has impressed generations of enthusiasts, and the 3D film version will bring new vitality to the classic.
It is director Teng’s third 3D Peking Opera film following “Farewell My Concubine” and “Xiao He chases Han Xin under the moonlight.”
According to Teng, the film’s audio is enhanced with Dolby sound technologies. Award-winning British sound artist Roger Savage was also invited for the film’s sound effects.
Compared with former domestic opera movies which have monotonous sets, the film boasts many lavish sets and visually impelling battle scenes of the Three Kingdoms (AD 220-280).
“Praise from many young viewers have boosted our confidence in this genre of film,” director Teng says. “Many young people never watched Peking Opera performances before. For the first time, the movie gives them an insight into the charm of the age-old art form. We believe many more young people will be allured to traditional theater in the near future.”
Famous theater critic Mao Shi’an noted that it is a difficult but meaningful attempt to put the Peking Opera classic onto the big screen with new film production technologies.
“Peking Opera stage art and cinema have big differences,” Mao says.
“The challenge mainly lies in how to balance the rhythm of theater performance with that of a movie. Director Teng does a good job in this aspect, which also provides filmmakers with new inspiration and experience for the making of opera movies.”
On China’s film and TV review website Douban, many movie buffs have expressed their enthusiasm for the film.
Netizen “The Fury of a Storm” says that to his big surprise, the Peking Opera film is so amazing.
“The movie is both entertaining and thought-provoking,” he comments. “It has largely changed my original thoughts about opera films. I think it would be a big loss for young people to miss the film.”
Netizen “He Doesn’t Know” says he watched the film with a classmate. Although they didn’t understand Peking Opera performing styles, they were deeply impressed by the complicacy of humanity that was shown in the story. Some scenes almost moved them to tears. They hope that more young people of today will be enchanted with the charm of Peking Opera.
Traditional Chinese opera movies usually attract only elderly and middle-aged opera lovers.
“Cao Cao and Yang Xiu” is one of the city’s major film projects of traditional opera movies to reach a wider audience. Other acclaimed 3D Chinese opera films include Kunqu film “The Bell Tolls for a Dynasty” and Yueju film “The Love Story in the Western Chamber.”
Compared with former domestic opera movies which have monotonous sets, the film, shot in 4K resolution, boasts many lavish sets and visually impelling battle scenes of the Three Kingdoms (220-280 AD).
Wider audience
Since many traditional opera artists are aging, such opera film projects will preserve their performances as the country’s cultural heritage. The artists’ valuable performing episodes can be also saved for future research and study.
“The Bell Tolls for a Dynasty” is the first 3D Kunqu Opera movie. It condensed the theater version of over two hours into around 100 minutes. Set in the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the film depicts the fall and the last turbulent days of the dynasty.
“The Love Story in the Western Chamber” tells of a romance between Cui Yingying and Zhang Junrui. It stars famous Yueju Opera performers Qian Huili and Fang Yafen in poetic scenes and romantic melodies.
All the movies try to retain the original artistry of traditional Chinese operas while make them more accessible to young viewers. They were exhibited at this year’s Shanghai International Film Festival and received hails from movie buffs. In addition to theaters, the movies will also be screened in local schools, communities and Shanghai Film Museum.
Experts note that opera films are an irreplaceable part of Chinese cinema and Chinese culture. The genre still has market potentials for young people and big space for creation.
