I thoroughly enjoyed viewing the two movies on Tuesday because together, they provided differing points of view on the controversial topic of Communism.
"To Live" showed a family's struggle with life's obstacles, the introduction of Communist society being one of those obstacles. While trying to adhere to the Communist doctrine, they were forced to examine their own personal values. I enjoyed watching the two parents' contrasting reactions to the government that was introduced to them. Fugui's gung-ho attitude towards the revolution was inspiring to the community. He did his best to meet the expectations of Communist leaders and expected his family to do the same. Fugui loved his family, but it was not shown as much as his wife's love for the family. Although she "played along" with the new Communist regime, she seemed to hold her family above all else; at least, that was more apparent with her than with her husband. I liked how only when bad things happened to Fugui, i.e. his son ironically being killed by a Communist officer, his behavior implied that he really did hold his family above all else as well.
But I digress. I truly liked Yimou's portrayal of Communism. I feel he did a good job of showing it as neither an extremely negative thing nor as an extremely positive one; he showed that although Communism can result in mishaps and unfortunate incidents, it can still result in a fairly happy, content, and successful community (just to clarify I am not supporting Communism, I'm just trying to be fair).
Just a note: Yimou's use of irony in "To Live" is exceptional. He truly keeps the audience on the edge of their seats and provides constant surprise and entertainment.
The second film we viewed, "Morning Sun," showed some of the more oppressive and brutal aspects of Communism. It was interesting to watch "Morning Sun" immediately after "To Live" because while "To Live" showed the effects of Communism through the eyes of family (a microcosm for Chinese society), "Morning Sun," I feel, explained Communism more by presenting it through an overview of the entire movement and its broader effects on society as a whole.
I would, however, like to get a better idea of how Chinese people, as a whole, TRULY feel about Communism. Like John Baker, I would also like to know how the officials are selected, primarily the "cadres."
Till Thursday....
Michael