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| Cultural Elements of the CURSE |
重阳节 chóng yáng jié, Double Ninth holiday.
菊花 jú huā, chrysanthemum |
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| In Chinese numerology, the number 9 represents the climax of yang energy. The 9th day of the 9th lunar month is thus considered having too much yang, and is a potentially dangerous day. The custom on this day is to climb a high mountain, drink chrysanthemum wine, and wear a plant called zhuyu. All of these things are done for their supposed cleansing effects. Over time the 'Double Ninth day' has become a celebration – and is a prominent feature in the new Zhang Yimou movie 'Curse of the Golden Flower'. But is the movie any good? So far the reviews are not great, despite commercial success. Director Zhang says: |
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| 金玉其外，败絮其中 jīn yù qí wài, bài xù qíi zhōng, Gold and jade on the outside, rot and decay on the inside |
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| Zhang quotes the above old Chinese saying to explain his excessive use of gold in the move. Is it possible that the gold has played out against the director himself? |
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Zhang Yimou, probably the most renowned Chinese director in the world, is often considered a leading member of China's Fifth Generation Filmmakers. A graduate of Beijing Film Academy in cinematography, he started his career as an actor, winning the Best Actor Award at the Tokyo International Film Festival for his film debut in Old Well (1986). His directorial debut, Red Sorghum (1987) won him the Golden Bear Award at the Berlin Film Festival. It was also the film debut of Gong Li, Zhang's one-time muse and lover, who had starred in several Zhang's movies that followed. The Curse then signifies the reunion of the two in a film after their last joint effort- Shanghai Triad in 1995. |
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满城尽带黄金甲(2006)
Curse of the Golden Flower
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千里走单骑(2005)
Riding Alone for
Thousands of Miles
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十面埋伏(2004)
House of Flying Daggers
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英雄(2002)
Hero
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幸福时光(2000)
Happy Day
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我的父亲母亲(1999)
The Road Home
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一个都不能少(1999)
Not One Less
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有话好好说(1997)
Keep Cool
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摇啊摇,摇到外婆桥(1995)
ShangHai Triad
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活着(1994)
TO LIVE
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秋菊打官司(1992)
The Story of Qiu Ju
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古今大战秦俑情(1989)
Fight And Love
With a Terracotta Warrior
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大红灯笼高高挂(1991)Raise the Red Lantern
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菊豆(1990)
JU•DOU
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红高梁(1987)
Red Sorghum
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代号美洲豹(1989)
Code Name: Cugar
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