At Popup Chinese we call films as we see them. And in this podcast that means a split down gender lines. You can side with Echo and consider this a stirring tale of individualism. Or you can side with the rest of us. Whichever way you lean, if you recognize the film from our mystery clip be sure to get your guess in to echo@popupchinese.com for a chance to win a free month of premium access to Popup Chinese.
orbital
said on February 21, 2009
Caught it from the proper names. Not a bad movie, but a bit too long and with a weak ending imho.
marco64
said on February 22, 2009
I think I got it as well. Acting is actually pretty good I think - it's supposed to be all about character development anyway. The history is just the backdrop.
laijon
said on February 23, 2009
There are really simple Tang and Song poems, that is easier for people to learn and memorize.
maxiewawa
said on February 23, 2009
*scratches head* dunno!
maxiewawa
said on February 23, 2009
［你们外国人根本不懂］－echo老师
I wish you had cut that out, that always gets my blood boiling when Chinese people say that...
maxiewawa
said on February 23, 2009
... Or when anyone says it (lol, i just showed my OWN prejudices when criticising someone else's...)
Echo
said on February 23, 2009
@maxiewawa,
哦！maxiewawa，你不要生气不要伤心，for "你们", 我的意思完全是那两个在录音室里的家伙！他们两个人欺负我一个，你说我生气不生气:( 一生气就口不择言了......
--Echo
echo@popupchinese.com
orbital
said on February 23, 2009
@maxiewawa - agreed. I remember having a couple of people toss the line my way back when Lust, Caution had just come out and I was foolish enough to admit I hadn't thought much of the film.Talk about hurting the feelings of the Chinese people. I finally realized 根本不懂 was just an easy way to avoid scrutinizing their own reasons for liking the film, which I still think succeeded either because of the pornography angle, or from a sort of feel-good patriotism from having a mainstream Hollywood director do such a China-focused film. It didn't do anything for me as art. Or narrative.I'm going to side with the guys on this one, although the movie isn't as bad as all that. If you listen for the proper names and think of really famous long movies you'll probably get it.
stratman1
said on February 27, 2009
I've never seen the movie, but in it's (and Echo's) defense, it's #167 on the imdb top 250 list, ahead of good movies like Casino, 12 Monkeys, and Letters from Iwo Jima, so at least some westerners enjoyed it as well.
@orbital
Really? I loved Lust, Caution, it's probably my 3rd favorite Chinese film after 重庆森林/Chungking Express and 活着。It's definitely my favorite Ang Lee movie. Complete bullshit that what's her name was banned from future films though, while Tony Leung would be welcomed back with open arms. Sexism doesn't get more blatant..
Film Friday
said on February 27, 2009
Answer: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031381/
Echo
said on February 27, 2009
@stratman1,
Thanks for your support :)
--Echo
echo@popupchinese.com
ashleigh.braggs
said on January 6, 2015
Echo! I know it's many years later, but I wanted to say that I agree with you: this movie is an example of great classic cinema. The main character is bold and shrewd and self-interested during a time when women were supposed to be window dressing, and bland window dressing at that. She was an aun anti_heroine of her time. No one seems to take issue with male fictional characters who are dishonest and non traditionally likeable. there always seems to be disdain for media that focuses on the stories of women. Sadly, I've noticed this a lot here on film Friday.I've only recently become a premium subscriber and I've been making my way through all of the film Fridays. Sadly, I suspect I'm near the end. I really have grown to love film Fridays. And I hope that you will bring them back even if there is no prize.
