Zhang Yimou wants ancient Chinese arts to shine in new epic
BEIJING: Renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou integrated numerous ancient Chinese arts and elements into his new historical period epic ‘Shadow’ which uses a unique perspective to tell a story built around a puppet double.
When talking about the origin of ‘Shadow’, Zhang said he came up with the idea of filming a “body double” story five years ago. He wanted to portray human desire as a physical “shadow.”
The China premiere of ‘Shadow’ was held in Beijing on Thursday, attended by the director and actors Deng Chao, Sun Li, Zheng Kai, Hu Jun, Wang Jingchun, Guan Xiaotong and Leo Wu.
Set in the period of the Three Kingdoms during China’s third century, it tells the story of a “nobody” imprisoned since he was eight years old and refuses to accept his fate as a puppet double, fighting to regain his freedom. Zhang focused on the story of the double, rather than re-enacting the real history, as such, all the characters are fictitious.
While filming, Zhang used striking cinematography to mimic Chinese ink-wash-painting, while using many Chinese elements, which makes ‘Shadow’ a uniquely Chinese film. To achieve the visual effects, he and his team went through numerous filming and production hardships to make it happen.
“The current special effects can make colour film into black and white film very easily. But if you want to make black-and-whiteoriented colour film, you have to perfectly arrange and coordinate the clothing, make-up, props and set designs. This was very difficult,” Zhang Yimou said.
However, despite all this, he still feels that it was all worthwhile. “’Shadow’ has garnered a lot of praise overseas. The ancient Chinese arts once again shine on the world stage.”
Deng Chao plays two roles in the film: one as a local military officer, the other as the officer’s shadow double. Fun fact: the actor’s reallife wife, actress Sun Li, plays the officer’s wife in the film.
To play both roles, Deng first increased his weight by 10 kg and then quickly lost 20 kg to truly portray the differences between the two characters. Deng revealed he almost fainted on set.
Without too many special effects involved, it was beyond imagination to seamlessly combine the two roles together in various scenes just by acting and editing. Sun Li also challenged herself by not only learning ancient Chinese musical instruments, but also acting with minimal makeup to cooperate with the 5K HD cameras.
The domestic premiere of ‘Shadow’ stunned and captivated audiences, having earned praise at the Venice International Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this year.
So far, the American review website for film and television RottenTomato.com rated it fresh with 90 per cent of critics giving positive reviews. “This is probably the most stunningly beautiful (film) Zhang has made to date,” wrote film critic Boyd van Hoeij with Hollywood Reporter magazine.
‘Shadow’ will debut nationwide in China on Sept. 30, the eve of China’s profitable week-long National Day holiday, against several rival opening blockbusters such as comedy ‘Hello, Mrs. Money’ and crime film ‘Project Gutenberg’. Zhang Yimou’s film is no doubt a strong competitor. Documentary “Zhang Yimou’s ‘Shadow’” directed by Wang Peng will debut on Oct. 5.
‘Shadow’ has garnered a lot of praise overseas. The ancient Chinese arts once again shine on the world stage.
– Zhang Yimou, director