seminar basics (logistics, readings, etc.)

[clay dube]

Some of the film night choices we're considering:
for 8/2
1998 film, Chen Kaige, director. Ying Zheng of the state of Qin is working to bring the six other states under his control. He hopes to use one of his concubines, Lady Zhao (Gong Li), in that effort. Things turn out a bit differently.

2002 (released in the US in 2004), Zhang Yimou, director. The Qin ruler has survived three assassination attempts and now suspects "Nameless" (Jet Li) of a plot to kill him.

2010, Hu Mei director. Chow Yun-fat plays the sage in this bio-pic.

Please weigh in if you've seen any of these films or if you have a strong preference for one of the three. The Emperor and the Assassin, is the longest of the three, 2.5 hours.

[clay dube]

Hi Folks,
Here are some of the films we might watch.

2002 film, Yamada Yoji director. Set half a century later than our seminar's 1800 framework. We follow a low-ranking samurai as he cares for his family, and is charged with taking on another samurai who has been cast out.

1983 film, Imamura Shohei director. This film is also set in the 19th century. Life is hard in this place at this time. One custom that's emerged is that people attaining the age of 70 are taken and left at Narayama (Mt. Nara).

1953 film (black and white), Mizoguchi Kenji director. Set during the warring age of the 16th century, the film looks at how the consequences of choices made by two rural men.

1950 film (black and white), Kurosawa Akira director. This crime mystery was so influential that "Rashomon-like" has entered the English lexicon. What really did happen at the Rasho gate?

Please do share your opinions if you've seen any of these films. Is there one you're particularly anxious to see?

[Anonymous]

8/2/11
I just recalled my memories data base, it is my 2nd time to see this " Hero" and I have a new perspective view for it.
Just over 2000 years ago, between 230 and 221 BC , seven kingdoms struggled for access to the natural resources and human capital of what is now modern-day China. the Dynasty of Qin, led by Qin Shi-Huang, waged war and conquered the other six kingdoms, unifying the country into what would become the first dynasty of China-- or as Qin Shi Huang Di called it, Tian Xia ( Our Land ). In addition to centralizing the government in the Qin capital of Xian Yang, China's first emperor initiated a number initiatives to create a single unified culture across China, including standardization of the written language, currency, and weights and measures-- a principle that still applies in today's merger-and-acquisition-laden business world. It was also during Qin's reign that the Great Wall of China was constructed. However, Qin Shi Huang Di was also ruthless in how he held onto the reigns of power, which included burning political writings and executing those who disagreed with his policies.
Thus, what had started with good intentions "Tain Xia" ( Our Land ) became corrupted by the seductive charms of absolute power.

"Hero" begins with the arrival of a nameless warrior (Jet Li) at the palace of King Qin (Chen Dao Ming). The nameless warrior (or Nameless, as he is referred to in the film) has allegedly vanquished three of the King's would-be assassins, Sky (Donnie Yen) Broken Sword (Tony Leung), and Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung ). Because of such heroic service, Nameless is allowed to sit within ten paces of the King and asked to provide the details of his victories. However, as Nameless begins to recount his story about how he used a love triangle between the three assassins to divide and conquer them, Qin begins to see holes in the account, and senses that Nameless is not what he appears to be.
The story ends up being divided into four separate acts, as opposing accounts between Nameless and Qin gradually circle in on the truth. In the process, the divided loyalties and heartbreak between Broken Sword and Flying Snow are revealed, as are the motives behind the arrival of the nameless warrior.
"Tian Xia" ( Our Land ), these two words that caused Broken Sword and Nameless Warrior did not kill the Qin Shi-Huang, it shown a human being in a difference time, place, mood, mind set, and with the multi dimensional motivations in one unique moment, it caused a huge different of out come.
edited by wchu on 8/2/2011

[clay dube]

Hi Folks,
Glad you're with us. A tentative copy of the seminar schedule is attached in pdf format.

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[Anonymous]

Ordered "The Emperor and the Assassin DVD but it will not get here till the 19th so I will have to wait till then to review.

[Author]

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