During the last session of our Palos Verdes East Asia seminar, the value of education and family was discussed. The subject matter caused me to go out and rent a dvd of a cinematic release I had seen a few years ago. "He ni ze yi qui" or "Together" is a touching film that centers around the relationship between a father and son who live in rural China. The version I watched was in Mongolian Chinese with an option for English subtitles, although I am told the power of the tale translates language barriers. My mother watched the film, forgetting to choose the English subtitles and was equally touched by the message as well as the quality of acting.

With his savings stuffed into a wool cap that fits tightly on his head, the father relentlessly works at many odd jobs enduring long hard hours in order to assist his son, Xiaochun, in achieving the goal of becoming a professional violinist. Once he has earned enough for the travel and tutoring, the father journeys to Beijing with his son to locate an instructor for such a talent. The gripping story of pursuing a dream against a pale economic backdrop is further enhanced by the colorful characters encountered along the way. From the eccentric teacher who emulates Hemingway with his cat collection to the lovely neighbor Lilli, with whom Xiaochun, the boy, falls in love while playing for extra money, the tale pulls at the heartstrings of the viewer and draws you instantly into the setting and culture of China.

Perhaps one of the many themes in this acclaimed film is ownership and how those who seek ownership of music can only be eluded by it's greatness. Professor Yu describes the challenge he faced during the Cultural Revolution, when his love of Vivaldi thrived and his musicianship endured, despite the obstacles presented during the unrest. Later, when Yu is at the height of his musical popularity, he is no longer interested in the art but merely in the power associated with it. The other music teacher the boy encounters has completely lost his enjoyment of music and sinks into a deep depression becoming a virtual recluse from the society he once embraced. Along with the tutors, the boy's father wishes to nuture and honor his son's musical gift; however, the boy himself struggles between his love for playing the violin, the challenges of adolescence and his desire to please his father.

The boy expresses his difficult and confused feelings through his passionate musical insterpretations, yet he seems to stuggle with the responsibility required of a musical scholar in China. In many ways, this could be referred to as a coming of age tale and possibly an allegory for China itself.

Nonetheless, the film's themes, the quality of acting and the layers upon layers of meaning are worth the rental of this 2003 release. China's commitment to excellence in education and in tradition fascinates me and this film is a good vehicle for those interested in diving right in to the heart of the families in this transitional country.

The cinematography, for those of you who are photo journalists, is quite noteworthy with interesting angles, colors, filters and perspectives that seem to fall into a natural rhythm and flow with the storyline. Directed by Kaige Chen who also directed "Farewell My Concubine" the film boasts of high caliber acting and tone.

With regard to using this film in the classroom, I think the themes for the high school students are quite useful. In fact, many of the Asian students that I teach are actively involved in the music and band programs here at school. One young lady practices for hours daily on her cello and is focused on becoming a professional. There are at least a dozen others who are actively practicing and participating in the music program at PVHS. The discipline, dedication and obstacles faced by adolescents who are committed to this form of art is showcased in this film as is the Asian culture and setting. It would be a good pick and easily relatable for the Freshman English students I currently teach.

Absolutely memorable! [Edit by="spavelkagregg on Dec 13, 5:24:36 PM"][/Edit]
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