Scenes from the Street, Theater, and Screen
Ballroom dancing on the Temple of Heaven grounds. The Chinese not
only consider scenes from the street as public theater, but they value
their public spaces and use them on a daily basis, Temple of Heaven
(a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Beijing, People's Republic of
China (July, 2008).
Face paints at the Beijing Opera, Beijing, July, 2008.
Beijing Opera actor preparing for a show, Beijing,
People's Republic of China (July, 2008).
The Monkey King, Beijing Opera actor, preparing
for a show, Beijing, People's Republic of China
(July, 2008).
A Beijing Opera scene from The Journey West, Beijing, People's
Republic of China (July, 2008).
Parents congregating to share information as they search for potential
mates for their children, Temple of Heaven, Beijing, People's Republic
of China (July, 2008).
Erhu and pipa music for the public, by the public, in
a public space, Temple of Heaven, Beijing, People's
Republic of China (July, 2008).
Lessons in martial arts, outdoors, making the best of
public space, Temple of Heaven, Beijing, People's
Republic of China (July, 2008).
Revolutionary songs, maybe, Temple of Heaven, Beijing, People's
Republic of China (July, 2008).
Erhu student and teacher, in a public space, Temple
of Heaven, Beijing, People's Republic of China
(July, 2008).
Singers practicing in a public space, Temple of Heaven, Beijing,
People's Republic of China (July, 2008).
Singers practicing in a public space, Temple of Heaven, Beijing,
People's Republic of China (July, 2008).
Chinese Cinema Recommendations
To Live*
Raise the Red Lantern*
Ju Dou*
Red Sorghum*
Yellow Earth*
Not One Less*
The Road Home*
The Story of Qui Ju*
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Eat, Drink, Man, Woman
King of Masks
Red Firecracker, Green Firecracker
Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl
The Emperor’s Shadow
Life on a String
The Emperor and the Assassin
The Last Emperor
Note: This list is not in any order (although To Live is deservingly placed at the top and I would recommend it above all others). Like so many Chinese movies, many of these are sad by Western sensibilities. Some are safe to show students, but not all: ADULTS WILL WANT TO SCREEN ALL MOVIES BEFORE SHOWING ANY TO CHILDREN.
*Directed by Zhang Yimou
All photographs, drawings and prose by Brad Houk unless otherwise noted.
Copyright © 2008 by Brad Houk, All Rights Reserved
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