HERO

The Chinese film, Hero, combines some of the finest elements of Chinese culture. The film revolves around Chinese history and the attempted assassination of the King of Qin. What is most impressive about the film is not the storyline even though it was full of mystery, intrigue, and wonder but rather the cinematography. The cinematography of the film is some of the best I have seen. The Chinese are well known for their martial art skills. What is truly amazing is how they are able to choreograph the intricacy of the fight scenes especially since wires are used for most of the fighting scenes. The director and choreographer were able to capture the beauty and fluidity of the fight scenes. The martial arts scenes were more rhythmic and dance like than traditional American fight movies. All the fighters are composed of specific characteristics such as composure, dignity, and honor all of which were translated into their fighting style. Not only where the fight scenes gracefully choreographed but also the background or setting captured the mood of the scene perfectly. The wardrobe of the characters, which included matching colored kimonos, changed with each different perspective of narrative being told. The vibrant colors of the kimonos were breath taking and really helped to bring and tie the audience into the scene. Color was an added special effect that put me in awe. The most brilliant scene in the film was when the two women were fighting and the falling and swirling of the leaves moved and danced around the movements of the characters. The scene also incorporated the use of color. The color of the leaves changed depending on the emotion the audience was meant to feel. It was truly brilliant. Too bad, reality is not quite as colorful as this film makes you feel.

NOT ONE LESS

This was a touching, heart wrenching, true story based upon the depressing lives of Chinese youth in the rural countryside. The hardships being faced by individuals that young is hard to believe especially considering I am still learning how to take care of my self as a college student. This film spoke to me in pro founding ways. I realize that we, as affluent individuals, are really not doing our part in helping the problem. Watching Zhang Huike begging for food in the city was heartbreaking. I could never imagine letting my children pay for the mistakes and financial burdens that resulted because of my poor decision making. The film was at times slow but if the audience is able to get past the slowness of the film and look deeper at the text of the film it really allows the audience to think and process what is happening before them on the screen. This film provided as a reminder of how giving back to those less fortunate can do to help change around there lives. When the television station found Zhang and the people of China heard his and his teachers story donations and money flowed in to help support their plight. This was a beautiful story of a country’s peasants struggling to survive and continue the education of a future generation that is going to be condemned to the hardships of life faced by their parents.

SWADES

Swades, depicts the importance of family values and cultural traditions. Even though the film had a strong message to its audience, I never the less felt like I was dieing softly in my seat. Maybe its because of the way I’ve been raised but the only time you go see a production that is four hours long is well basically never. Additionally, I don’t go films to learn valuable life lessons through song. Not all of the matters and problems that are being faced on a daily basis can be solved through vibrant song and dance. I might be partially biased because I am not a fan of musicals. If you are into musical you will probably enjoy the film greatly. However, for those of us who don’t find them quite as entertaining will find the film long and at times very tedious. The main point that the film addresses is sometimes you receive the greatest reward when helping your fellow countrymen; knowing that you are doing all you can to help make their lives more successful and productive. Swades, is about making a difference in the lives of those who are struggling to prosper due to hardships like famine. The film addresses many issues that plague specific areas of India. Such issues include poor, uneducated children, the caste system and how it has segregated the population, and the lack of technological advances being achieved (most of the smaller towns and villages do not even have electricity). I believe the film made it clear that the need for individuals to rise up and become leaders is necessary.