Message from syamada

[Anonymous]

I viewed "Shower" on DVD and recommend it to all East Asia Seminar participants. It is a story about a young man, Da Ming, who visits his father and mentally challenged brother in a decaying part of Beijing and must choose between the traditional lifestyle of his father and a modern one where efficient five-minute showers are available.

The characters in the film are wonderfully endearing and plausible. Da Ming’s father, Mr. Liu, gives advice to his customers, is cheerfully resigned to caring for his son (Er Ming), and is happy with his life. Many of the scenes take place in Mr. Liu’s bathhouse were the customers enjoy camaraderie, relaxation, and grooming services. The themes of duty, friendship, tradition, and family loyalty are evident and the visual contrasts are engaging: modern efficiency reflected in the shower and car wash; drought stricken Northern China contrasted with plentiful water in the bathhouse; and an analogy of old people and old houses that cannot be repaired. (I have no plans to use this film in my curriculum at this time, but enjoyed the sensitive and honest depiction of family conflicts and turmoil that always accompany change.)