Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Drifters
Directed by Wang Xiao Shuai
Wang Xiao Shuai, China’s sixth generation filmmaker, Drifters, is an atmospheric piece of film art reminiscent of most indie film that explores the a growing China grappling with issues of identity and heritage.
Hong Yunsheng (Duan Long) has been trying to enter America as an illegal refugee for three times. He was however sent back repeatedly. Back in his hometown, he was asked to talk to other youths who has the same American dream. He spent his time drinking with his mates and seeing Xiao Nu (Shu Yan), a young girl who is in a traveling Chinese opera troupe.
The real dilemma of the story. however, is a past which has come back to haunt him. Having beget a son in US, he was however refused to see his boy by the mother’s family. We are not offered a convincing reason though Yunsheng’s brother wanted the boy to pay a visit to their dead parents.
Drifters paces itself slowly which is difficult for the average filmgoer’s taste. However, its lingering shots and almost scriptless screenplay, coupled with amateurish looking but professional actors and actress, makes it a very fulfilling movie.
Wang Xiao Shuai captures the beauty, agony and boredom of the town with sunset and harbour shots. At the same time, the town looks as if it is trapped in a state of ennui.
The theme of American imperialism cuts into the movie sharply as the characters constantly talks and dreams of a better American life. Ironically, friends of Yunsheng were upset at the maternal family of his American son, which has been seen to be overtly boastful.
Directed by Wang Xiao Shuai
Wang Xiao Shuai, China’s sixth generation filmmaker, Drifters, is an atmospheric piece of film art reminiscent of most indie film that explores the a growing China grappling with issues of identity and heritage.
Hong Yunsheng (Duan Long) has been trying to enter America as an illegal refugee for three times. He was however sent back repeatedly. Back in his hometown, he was asked to talk to other youths who has the same American dream. He spent his time drinking with his mates and seeing Xiao Nu (Shu Yan), a young girl who is in a traveling Chinese opera troupe.
The real dilemma of the story. however, is a past which has come back to haunt him. Having beget a son in US, he was however refused to see his boy by the mother’s family. We are not offered a convincing reason though Yunsheng’s brother wanted the boy to pay a visit to their dead parents.
Drifters paces itself slowly which is difficult for the average filmgoer’s taste. However, its lingering shots and almost scriptless screenplay, coupled with amateurish looking but professional actors and actress, makes it a very fulfilling movie.
Wang Xiao Shuai captures the beauty, agony and boredom of the town with sunset and harbour shots. At the same time, the town looks as if it is trapped in a state of ennui.
The theme of American imperialism cuts into the movie sharply as the characters constantly talks and dreams of a better American life. Ironically, friends of Yunsheng were upset at the maternal family of his American son, which has been seen to be overtly boastful.
