CALIFICACIÓN DE IMDb
7.2/10
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TU CALIFICACIÓN
Agrega una trama en tu idiomaTwo youths sent for a Maoist "re-education" in the mountains fall in love with the village tailor's granddaughter.Two youths sent for a Maoist "re-education" in the mountains fall in love with the village tailor's granddaughter.Two youths sent for a Maoist "re-education" in the mountains fall in love with the village tailor's granddaughter.
- Premios
- 1 premio ganado y 9 nominaciones en total
Opiniones destacadas
It is impossible to understand this story in his real essence. The beautiful skin of love and nice images, the acting and slices of memory are only small details of a horrible era (Chinese Communism of Mao period is more that the best thriller can presents). So, a tale about resistance, about culture like secret and vital refuge is not only interesting or touching but good "remember", too. The life in a country who considers his citizens like social dough is a cruel experience and a survive exercise. In Romania, the Communist regime was not very different but the relates about this period, his reflexion in films is mixture of frustrations and hate. Maybe, this is the normal way after a social crisis. So, the principal virtue of film is the subtle humor. The innocence of resistance, the original game, the delicate resistance against a grotesque situation. In many aspects the film is a charming miniature and it is Sijie Dai's merit to present not only a personal experience, a story of past but a slice of far reality so present in ours life, yet. Same impressive token about a subtle form of resistance is "Flying against the arrow" by Horia- Roman Patapievici.
Sijie Dai's wonderful novel, "Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress" was a joy to read. The author, who one thinks must live in France, made it possible for people that haven't read the book to see it as a motion picture that captures the spirit of the novel.
The action takes place in the China of the Red Brigades. As they swept the country, they wanted to rid of all foreign influence in their culture because it was perceived as a threat to the system. Among the people that fell prey to the hysteria of those days, two young city young men were apprehended and sent to a remote area by the magical Phoenix mountains to start work in one of the mines in the area as part of their reeducation, or brain washing process.
Young Luo and Ma, can't do without their beloved books and the violin that one of them played. Suddenly, these two young men are once again seen as a threat to their small community which is dominated by a man with a small mind who sees evil everywhere. The young men are appalled when they discover that most of the people around them are illiterate. Thus begins a series of readings from the classical books, mostly French, and the young men disguise as coming from another source.
When the tailor for the area arrives with his little assistant, both Luo and Ma can't help in falling in love for her. Only one of them will be successful in being loved back by the beautiful young woman.
The film is beautiful to watch. The impressive backdrop to the story serves as a distraction, at times, into this majestic area of China. The director has achieved a magic moment for the viewer by capturing beautiful images about a place at the end of the world.
The action takes place in the China of the Red Brigades. As they swept the country, they wanted to rid of all foreign influence in their culture because it was perceived as a threat to the system. Among the people that fell prey to the hysteria of those days, two young city young men were apprehended and sent to a remote area by the magical Phoenix mountains to start work in one of the mines in the area as part of their reeducation, or brain washing process.
Young Luo and Ma, can't do without their beloved books and the violin that one of them played. Suddenly, these two young men are once again seen as a threat to their small community which is dominated by a man with a small mind who sees evil everywhere. The young men are appalled when they discover that most of the people around them are illiterate. Thus begins a series of readings from the classical books, mostly French, and the young men disguise as coming from another source.
When the tailor for the area arrives with his little assistant, both Luo and Ma can't help in falling in love for her. Only one of them will be successful in being loved back by the beautiful young woman.
The film is beautiful to watch. The impressive backdrop to the story serves as a distraction, at times, into this majestic area of China. The director has achieved a magic moment for the viewer by capturing beautiful images about a place at the end of the world.
Don't be mislead into thinking that a film about the Chinese Cultural Revolution has to be heavy. This one is delightfully light, at times quite funny, but not trivial.
Describing one film review in Hong Kong serves well to describe the film itself. The critic used 90% of the review to say how the film is unrealistic, somewhat over-literary, a bit over-romantic, etc. In the last paragraph, however, despite everything that he said before, he gave the film top rating simply because it was so beautifully made.
The three young people are such a joy to watch. The message I get (which may not be the one intended by the director) is that no matter under what circumstances, youthfulness will prevail. For those who follow the international movie scene, Zhou Xun and Liu Ye wouldn't be total strangers. Chen Kun, the third of the trio, put up an equally sparkling performance. All the supporting roles are great too, and there are quite a few of them.
The scenery is breathtaking and the ending (which of course I won't give away) is very poetic.
It's one of the best, if not the best, "Chinese" film I've ever seen (Chinese in quotes because it's really French, and represents France in the Golden Globe, losing, narrowly I hope, to Almodovar's masterpiece Talk to Her).
Describing one film review in Hong Kong serves well to describe the film itself. The critic used 90% of the review to say how the film is unrealistic, somewhat over-literary, a bit over-romantic, etc. In the last paragraph, however, despite everything that he said before, he gave the film top rating simply because it was so beautifully made.
The three young people are such a joy to watch. The message I get (which may not be the one intended by the director) is that no matter under what circumstances, youthfulness will prevail. For those who follow the international movie scene, Zhou Xun and Liu Ye wouldn't be total strangers. Chen Kun, the third of the trio, put up an equally sparkling performance. All the supporting roles are great too, and there are quite a few of them.
The scenery is breathtaking and the ending (which of course I won't give away) is very poetic.
It's one of the best, if not the best, "Chinese" film I've ever seen (Chinese in quotes because it's really French, and represents France in the Golden Globe, losing, narrowly I hope, to Almodovar's masterpiece Talk to Her).
In 1971, in the China of Mao Tse Tung, the two university students Luo (Kun Chen) and Ma (Ye Liu) are sent to a mountain mining village with very ignorant peasants and also a Maoist rehabilitation camp, to be reeducated. Both fall in love for the illiterate granddaughter of the local tailor, called "little seamstress". They become friends, and Luo and Ma steal forbidden books of western literature, and while they read the books and teach the little seamstress, they also tell the story to the community and play classical music in the violin, developing and improving their lives.
What a magnificent and beautiful movie is "Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress". In a wonderful landscape with stunning scenery, this revolutionary love story about the importance of books to improve the life of people is very believable and I am not sure whether it is based on a true story. I regret that the DVD released in Brazil by Europa distributor has interviews with the cast and director spoken in Mandarin and without subtitles. My vote is ten.
Title (Brazil): "Balzac e a Costureirinha Chinesa" ("Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress")
What a magnificent and beautiful movie is "Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress". In a wonderful landscape with stunning scenery, this revolutionary love story about the importance of books to improve the life of people is very believable and I am not sure whether it is based on a true story. I regret that the DVD released in Brazil by Europa distributor has interviews with the cast and director spoken in Mandarin and without subtitles. My vote is ten.
Title (Brazil): "Balzac e a Costureirinha Chinesa" ("Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress")
In 2000, Dai Sijie's semi-autobiographical novella 'Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress' was released. An elegantly told story full of humour and emotion, it is set during the time of Mao's Cultural Revolution, and follows Ma Jianling and Luo Min, two young men sent to re-education at a small mountain village. One day, they discover a stash of forbidden Western literature, including works by Balzac, which profoundly impacts their lives and thinking. They also befriend a local seamstress, with whom they share their newfound knowledge, which in turn changes her outlook on life.
The novella received near universal acclaim (apart from the Chinese government, somewhat unsurprisingly) and went on to be translated in over nineteen languages. In 2002, a film adaptation was released, directed by Sijie. Often, when powerful, simple stories are adapted to other mediums, their impact and poignancy are diluted, if not lost completely. Some stories are just better suited for the page and not the cinema screen: with 'Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress,' this is not the case.
Sijie's story translates beautifully to film. His narrative is compelling, with plenty of humour, despite its emotional resonance and dramatic depth. As in the book, the film shows how education and literature empower, especially within the confines of a society such as that under Mao. The film can be seen as a cutting diatribe against censorship and the small-mindedness of those who fear knowledge, free speech and education.
It is also a story about friendship, and how shared experiences forge deep, enduring bonds. The relationship between the two young men and the seamstress evolves through their mutual appreciation of literature, becoming a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the transformative power of art. Moreover, the film delves into the concepts of personal growth and self-discovery, as- through the forbidden books- the characters embark on a journey of intellectual and emotional awakening.
This journey is mirrored through Jean-Marie Dreujou's evocative cinematography and the picturesque, yet harsh, setting of the mountain village. Much like Thomas Mauch, Dreujou captures what Werner Herzog refers to as "the drama of the landscape" astutely, portraying the environment as both beautiful and foreboding. Dreujou highlights the contrast between the idyllic landscape and the oppressive political regime, emphasizing the tension between freedom and control, adding another layer of depth to the narrative. This visual dichotomy enhances the story's themes, illustrating the characters' internal and external struggles.
Furthermore, Jiuping Cao's production design adds a layer of authenticity to the film. The detailed set pieces transport the audience back to the Cultural Revolution, creating a vivid and immersive experience. Additionally, Huamiao Tong's costumes reflect the era's austerity, while highlighting the characters' evolving identities.
Moreover, Pujian Wang's elegiac score enhances the emotional impact of the film. The music weaves seamlessly with the narrative, underscoring the characters' journeys and the themes of love, loss and discovery. In addition, Luc Barnier and Julia Grégory's editing ensures the film has a smooth, steady pace that keeps the audience invested throughout.
Ye Liu, as Ma, delivers an introspective performance, capturing the character's intellectual curiosity and inner struggles with aplomb, while Kun Chen, as Luo, is charismatic and dynamic. Xun Zhou, meanwhile, shines as the Little Seamstress, embodying a blend of innocence and burgeoning self-awareness. Her transformation throughout the film is well-realized, making her character's journey all the more impactful. In addition, their co-stars- particularly Shuangbao Wang as the head of the village and Zhijun Cong as the tailor- cannot be faulted.
In conclusion, Dai Sijie's 'Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress' is a poignant and visually stunning adaptation remaining faithful to the essence of his novella. A celebration of the power of literature and the enduring strength of friendship, it is engaging and thought-provoking. Boasting stellar visuals from Jean-Marie Dreujou, a fine score and strong performances from all in the cast, it is a fairly seamless affair. In fact, 'Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress' needs no alterations.
The novella received near universal acclaim (apart from the Chinese government, somewhat unsurprisingly) and went on to be translated in over nineteen languages. In 2002, a film adaptation was released, directed by Sijie. Often, when powerful, simple stories are adapted to other mediums, their impact and poignancy are diluted, if not lost completely. Some stories are just better suited for the page and not the cinema screen: with 'Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress,' this is not the case.
Sijie's story translates beautifully to film. His narrative is compelling, with plenty of humour, despite its emotional resonance and dramatic depth. As in the book, the film shows how education and literature empower, especially within the confines of a society such as that under Mao. The film can be seen as a cutting diatribe against censorship and the small-mindedness of those who fear knowledge, free speech and education.
It is also a story about friendship, and how shared experiences forge deep, enduring bonds. The relationship between the two young men and the seamstress evolves through their mutual appreciation of literature, becoming a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the transformative power of art. Moreover, the film delves into the concepts of personal growth and self-discovery, as- through the forbidden books- the characters embark on a journey of intellectual and emotional awakening.
This journey is mirrored through Jean-Marie Dreujou's evocative cinematography and the picturesque, yet harsh, setting of the mountain village. Much like Thomas Mauch, Dreujou captures what Werner Herzog refers to as "the drama of the landscape" astutely, portraying the environment as both beautiful and foreboding. Dreujou highlights the contrast between the idyllic landscape and the oppressive political regime, emphasizing the tension between freedom and control, adding another layer of depth to the narrative. This visual dichotomy enhances the story's themes, illustrating the characters' internal and external struggles.
Furthermore, Jiuping Cao's production design adds a layer of authenticity to the film. The detailed set pieces transport the audience back to the Cultural Revolution, creating a vivid and immersive experience. Additionally, Huamiao Tong's costumes reflect the era's austerity, while highlighting the characters' evolving identities.
Moreover, Pujian Wang's elegiac score enhances the emotional impact of the film. The music weaves seamlessly with the narrative, underscoring the characters' journeys and the themes of love, loss and discovery. In addition, Luc Barnier and Julia Grégory's editing ensures the film has a smooth, steady pace that keeps the audience invested throughout.
Ye Liu, as Ma, delivers an introspective performance, capturing the character's intellectual curiosity and inner struggles with aplomb, while Kun Chen, as Luo, is charismatic and dynamic. Xun Zhou, meanwhile, shines as the Little Seamstress, embodying a blend of innocence and burgeoning self-awareness. Her transformation throughout the film is well-realized, making her character's journey all the more impactful. In addition, their co-stars- particularly Shuangbao Wang as the head of the village and Zhijun Cong as the tailor- cannot be faulted.
In conclusion, Dai Sijie's 'Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress' is a poignant and visually stunning adaptation remaining faithful to the essence of his novella. A celebration of the power of literature and the enduring strength of friendship, it is engaging and thought-provoking. Boasting stellar visuals from Jean-Marie Dreujou, a fine score and strong performances from all in the cast, it is a fairly seamless affair. In fact, 'Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress' needs no alterations.
¿Sabías que…?
- TriviaFilming was allowed in China after seven months negotiations with the authorities, but any projection on Chinese territory was banned.
- ConexionesFeatured in The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards (2003)
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- How long is Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress?Con tecnología de Alexa
Detalles
- Fecha de lanzamiento
- Países de origen
- Sitio oficial
- Idiomas
- También se conoce como
- Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress
- Locaciones de filmación
- Fenghuan, Hunan, China(town scenes -1971)
- Productoras
- Ver más créditos de la compañía en IMDbPro
Taquilla
- Total en EE. UU. y Canadá
- USD 666,327
- Fin de semana de estreno en EE. UU. y Canadá
- USD 16,694
- 31 jul 2005
- Total a nivel mundial
- USD 5,209,555
- Tiempo de ejecución1 hora 50 minutos
- Color
- Mezcla de sonido
- Relación de aspecto
- 2.35 : 1
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