Chinese Film: Sources and Resources

Abstract

With the ever-increasing economic and academic access to the People's Republic of China (PRC) has come a heightened awareness and appreciation of its past and present cinematic wealth. Popularized through the artistic triumphs of the fifth-generation filmmakers, the mainland Chinese film industry boasts a tradition of solid, provocative works that can productively inform any film history or theory course. Dramatic political changes in Hong Kong and Taiwan have stimulated interest in these Chinese communities as well. Academics have also noted their accomplished film industries as co-productions and independent works earned distinguished awards and heightened respect. All three countries merit our cinematic attention and study. Having recently taught a seminar on mainland Chinese cinema at Webster University and having repeatedly integrated Chinese films into my classes at St. Louis Community College at Meramec, where I teach full-time, I can attest to the sustained excitement felt by a diverse array of students. Exploring the breadth and depth of Chinese cinema stimulates and illuminates instructive comparisons and contrasts with American works. To illustrate the importance of color in composition, Zhang Yimou's films work beautifully. To demonstrate the critical importance of geographic (and political) landscape, Chen Kaige's Yellow Earth unfolds like a revelation. Hong Kong action films provide stunning examples of rapid-fire editing. And many Chinese films present complex literary narratives through discursive structures, symbolic use of natural imagery, and a volatile historical backdrop. Numerous works explicitly promote alternative class ideas and social ideals using character types, none better than Breaking with Old Ideas (PRC, 1975) or Crows and Sparrows (PRC, 1949). The decisive importance of family and community dominate other works, clarifying their values and attitudes vis-a-vis our own. In short, an abundance of educational examples awaits our discovery. As teachers desiring to incorporate such rewarding material from the PRC, Hong Kong, and Taiwan into our courses, we need good film and video sources as well as extensive scholarship to support our efforts. Fortunately, the requisite resources now exist at a considerably improved level, but let me comment on