While both movies portrayed a differing view of communism, the second film we viewed definitely parelleled my understanding of the political situation in China during the 1940's. "Morning Sun," although in the form of a play, showed the harsh conditions - deprivation, controversy, and struggle all inherent in the culture. Idyllic as communsim may have seemed, acheiving it proved a feat. The flashy colors and quick movements in the play show it was no easy road: there was much politicial, economic and social strife.
The first movie, "To Live," was quite different in the manner it approached life throughout the upheaval. The film begins with Fugui going about daily life casually, gambling away what remained of the family fortune and estate. Although not economically carefree, life did not seem wraught with political discontent. As the movie progressed, Fugui does experience some hardship; he is interrupted mid-performance and taken to fight. After observing a battlefield overwhelmed with wounded and dead war victims, he falls asleep to their cries as they freeze to death. Here we definitely see the brutality of fighting against the oppostion; however, Fugui and his friend did not appear to be phased by the depressing war-like atmosphere. Once captured, Fugui soon let free to return to his family. At home, the children were in good health (minus the daughter's inability to sleep); the main problem was that they were overworked and in great need of sleep, especially the children. Fugui, his wife, and kids, like other families, are more than willing to help out the community: not only do they give whatever necessary of their minimal belongings, but they also feed one another. Instead of a period of intense political unrest, it appeared to be a period of ecomonic instabilty (which they consquently handled quite well). An exception, of course, is Long'er's execution, but that was just a brief scene that quickly transitioned into scenes of teamwork and the importance of family life.
Granted the second movie was far more entertaining, in my opinion, I am not sure how accurate its portrayal of the communist regime remains. I guess my question about the film relates to gender roles in China at that time in history. "To Live" suggested that both men and women worked long hours, making comparable contributions to the family and the community. Did gender roles still persist while communism was taking over? Or was there so much polticial, economic, and social unrest that sex had no significant influence on occupation?
Kristin
Posted by collinsa at October 20, 2004 11:33 PMLike you, I raised the same question about gender roles in Communist China, especially the status of women. I found it very interesting that Jaizhen was very independent and outspoken, incomparison to her husband who seemed more willing to follow the rules. Before watching the movie and documentary, I was led to believe that women in China were subservient and supposed to obey their husbands (or any male figure). It appears as if sex "had no significant influence" during the revolution. As I watched the movie, I was surprised to see Jaizhen working hard like her husband, and young girls as the doctors and refered to as "comrade". And I was surprised to see in the documentary young women helping to punish people who were accused of opposing the revolution. Females seemed to be doing similar things like the men. I want to know exactly how women were treated and their status/role in the Chinese society, especially during the revolution.
Posted by: Shari at October 22, 2004 07:39 AM