Hello everyone, I am Elephant.
Some time ago, the famous Italian director Bertolucci died. The name Bertolucci may not be well-known in China, but most people should have heard of one of his films——
"The Last Emperor".
Today we will talk about this legendary work of the master.
Originally, this issue was going to be released early in a hurry, but I was busy for more than a week, and my spare time was fully arranged. After all, it backfired.
But the update frequency will definitely increase after that, and it should be greatly increased next year, because I have found a solution. Stay tuned!
As usual, the text part below the video is some comments and gossip supplements to the movie, which is convenient for some students who haven't clicked on the video.
Well, without further ado, let's go to the show.
As mentioned above, "The Last Emperor" is a legendary work. The reason why it is said to be legendary is that it does have too many shining points.
For example, it is the first and only film shot in the Forbidden City, and it was shot in the Forbidden City for half a year. The emperor's hometown was carefully filmed in the movie, and then shown to the people of the world, which was unique before and after.
Bertolucci came to China with two projects back then. The first was the novel "The Destiny of Man" by French writer Andre Malraux, which was about the Chiang government's campaign to liquidate the Communist Party in Shanghai in 1927. However, this plan was eventually rejected because the subject matter was too sensitive. Later, plan B "The Last Emperor" came into being.
Of course, it was not that China was closed at the time. On the contrary, China during that time was actually extremely open due to the influence of reform and opening up. Moreover, in 1972, before the reform and opening up, Zhou Enlai invited Antonioni, another great master in the film industry, to come to China to make a documentary.
Antonioni actually made a documentary called "China" in the end, which caused an uproar when it was screened in the West. For the first time, Western students saw such a living China today, and they were probably shocked by the poverty and backwardness of China at that time. This incident later became very unpleasant, and finally even escalated into a diplomatic incident between China and Italy.
However, although Antonioni's trip to China has spilled a pot of blood, we did not shut down the country culturally because of it.
More than a decade later, China has opened its doors to another Italian director, Bertolucci. From this, we can also see China's determination to open up to the outside world at that time, and how eager we were to go out.
Moreover, it is estimated that Bertolucci himself was very moved that China did not make things difficult for him because of Antonioni's incident. Instead, he gave him the green light all the way, and maintained his full support everywhere.
Civil forces are also helping. Chen Kaige recruited many cultural leaders to advise the film. Ying Ruocheng, then the vice minister of the Chinese Ministry of Culture (that is, Yingda's father), also played the role of the director of the Fushun War Criminals Management Office in the film. .
Even Queen Elizabeth II of England wanted to enter the Forbidden City when she visited China, but it was cancelled because of the filming of the film.
Under such a favorable time and place, Bertolucci was absolutely open to work. During the filming process, a total of 19,000 extras were used, more than 1,100 students were mobilized to play the Red Guards, and more than 2,000 PLA soldiers were even borrowed. Soldier.
Of course, under such good conditions, "The Last Emperor" does not humiliate its mission. At the 60th Oscars, it was very rare to get nine nominations and win all of them. The Oscars that year became a celebration feast for the "Last Emperor" family.
The above mentioned are the background and achievements of the movie. In fact, the story of "The Last Emperor" is also legendary.
It should be said that this is a movie worthy of every Chinese one to watch. It shows the tragic life of Puyi, the last emperor of China.
The story of "The Last Emperor" is mainly based on the memoirs of Puyi's teacher Johnston and Puyi's own autobiography "The First Half of My Life". Therefore, the story follows a realistic documentary style, and the major events are basically consistent with historical facts.
The film starts from the death of Cixi in 1908 and ends with Puyi's death in 1967. The time span is as long as 60 years. These 60 years are almost a once-in-a-millennium change in Chinese history.
From the perspective of the rise and fall of the dynasties, the film has gone through the late Qing Dynasty, the Republic of China, the melee period of Beiyang warlords, the period of Kuomintang rule, and finally entered the new China.
From the perspective of major historical events, it has experienced the Revolution of 1911, the Northern Expedition, the Puppet Manchurian War, the War of Resistance, the founding of New China, and the Cultural Revolution. Therefore, this film almost condenses the entire magnificent modern and contemporary history of China.
Let's talk about the protagonist Pu Yi.
Maybe in the impression of many people, maybe in the impression of many people, Puyi is a foolish and funny clown image. He took refuge in the Japanese and became a traitor and traitor. He represents the evil feudalism and is simply the enemy of the people.
But if you read today's commentary, I believe many people will think that he is a tragic figure, and he has too many helpless and involuntary. He has a legendary life, but behind the legend, there are scars and suffering.
Just as we like to say "the torrent of the times" when we talk about history, what is the "torrent of the times"? "The Last Emperor" presents the most turbulent torrent of the times.
In this movie, we can see what it means to turn a big river, what is the mighty wheel of the times, and how small and helpless people are in it. Even Puyi, who is an emperor, is the emperor above ten thousand people, and he is the loneliest prisoner in the world.
This time, the "Last Emperor" I'm explaining is an extended version of nearly four hours. I have checked the materials and so on. The final result is still very satisfactory. I recommend everyone to watch the video. It is very concentrated and very essence. . .
Of course, it is also recommended that students who have not seen the original film find a relaxing afternoon to watch the original film. Watching it for a long time, in fact, the viewing experience should be quite pleasant.
Well, that's all for this issue of "The Last Emperor". Because Bi Gan's new film is about to be released, let's talk about his debut "Roadside Picnic" in the next issue.
Thank you for your support [Elephant Brushing], and I hope you will boldly forward, like, comment, and leave a message. You are also welcome to pay attention to our Bilibili, Weibo, and WeChat public accounts .
Looking forward to it. . .
I am a so nice elephant, we will see you next time.
bye.
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