Golden classics of Chinese opera on silver screen
Peking Opera film “Farewell My Concubine” and Huju Opera film “Thunderstorm” are among the 11 acclaimed xiju movies to be screened during the festival.
Shanghai has recently set up a cinema line of traditional Chinese opera at the Shanghai Grand Cinema to preserve and promote brilliant and time-honored xiju (Chinese theater) among today’s audience.
In 1905, China produced its first movie “Dingjun Mountain.” In the movie, Peking Opera artist Tan Xinpei performs excerpts from “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms.”
Since then, xiju films have played an important part in Chinese cinema.
Mei Lanfang (1894-1961), master of classical Chinese Peking and Kunqu operas, starred in 14 opera films in his life, which helped to promote the form to an international audience.
The Yueju Opera film “A Dream of Red Mansions” (1962) starring Xu Yulan and Wang Wenjuan was a box office sensation in the 1960s and 70s.
Officials from the cinema line said that 10 local theaters including Shanghai Grand Cinema, The Palace Cinema (Lujiazui Center) and Shanghai Science and Technology Cinema have joined them to provide long-term screenings of xiju movies.
The cinema line will also host other art film events, such as film exhibition, film workshops and salons.
Through April 26, movie buffs in the city will be treated to a festival of xiju movies. A total of 11 acclaimed productions will be screened, including China’s first 3D Kunqu Opera film “The Bell Tolls for a Dynasty,” Peking Opera film “Cao Cao and Yang Xiu,” Yueju Opera film “The West Chamber” and Huju Opera film “Thunderstorm.”
Most of the films are recent productions with wide critical acclaim. While retaining the original artistry of traditional Chinese opera, new cinematography gives them added appeal to a new generation.
Last year “The Bell Tolls for a Dynasty,” a tragic story about Emperor Chongzhen, the last emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), received the Best Artistic Contribution Award at the 31st Tokyo International Film Festival, a first for a xiju movie.
“Cao Cao and Yang Xiu,” shot in 4K resolution, marks opera stars Shang Changrong and Yan Xingpeng’s latest collaboration, 30 years after the success of their stage version of the same name.
The film depicts the delicate relationship between the Eastern Han warlord Cao Cao (AD 155-220) and his adviser Yang Xiu. It also features lavish sets and visually impelling battle scenes.
Shang, who has starred in four Peking Opera movies since 2008, said that he is optimistic about the future of Chinese opera movies.
“It is a blend of traditional art and modern cinematography,” he said. “The founding of the cinema line will help to generate more outstanding movies in the future.”
“The West Chamber” stars Yueju Opera performers Qian Huili and Fang Yafen to tell a romantic story between Cui Yingying and Zhang Junrui.
Huju Opera film “Thunderstorm” is a new film adaptation of Chinese dramatist Cao Yu’s play, telling the tragic story of a wealthy and seemingly happy family.
Huju Opera film “Thunderstorm”
