Hong lou meng

First, this film requires a enthusiast of Chinese culture and a familiarity with "Dream of the Red Chamber," one of China's four great classics. It contains numerous traditional cultural symbols that can be difficult for Western audiences to grasp. Secondly, once you understand the backstory, the film's fidelity and artistic accomplishment are truly remarkable. Finally, for viewers without relevant background knowledge, the pure storytelling is weak and lacks exciting moments. The film's overemphasis on artistic expression may not be suitable for those who simply walk in.

Hu Mei's 2024 film Hong Lou Meng is a ravishing, deeply felt reimagining of the classic - sumptuous production design, heart-stopping performances, and a clarity of emotion that makes the centuries-old tragedy feel immediate and raw. The ensemble (led by Lin Peng and Zhang Miaoyi among others) delivers layered, unforgettable portrayals that honor the novel while bringing fresh cinematic life to its characters. A visual poem that balances spectacle with intimacy - profoundly moving and utterly transportive. My score: 10/10.

Actually please don't consider it as a authentic story of the original novel, it is a new and creative story so that it is Ok to see.

Director Hu has produced many good movies, this one may not be the best but I think we need to jump out the traditional thought and use a creative angle to see this movie, the young actors are good enough too.

Recommendable!

Hu Mei's Dream of the Red Chamber is a film woven with both poetry and lament. Its imagery is exquisitely beautiful-the grandeur of the Grand View Garden, the changing of the seasons, the intricate costumes-all resemble flowing scroll paintings, pulling the audience into a dreamlike realm. Through light and color, Hu Mei sketches a world of fleeting splendor and illusion, echoing the essence of Cao Xueqin's masterpiece: prosperity that inevitably fades into nothingness.

In her characterization, the director places particular emphasis on the entanglement between Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu. Their lingering affection and inevitable sorrow are captured repeatedly, stirring a subtle ache in the audience's heart. Yet this strong focus on romance, to some extent, diminishes the original novel's profound depiction of family decline and the impermanence of society. What emerges is more like a lyrical elegy than a sweeping social epic.

Even so, Hu Mei's Dream of the Red Chamber remains a distinctive attempt. It presents the most tender and touching emotions of the story, while reminding us that the so-called "dream" is destined to be a beautiful yet fleeting illusion.

Inspired me to read the original story, good work. The team may consider digging more into the honglou IP and produce other forms of arts & products such as musicals or video games.

Meanwhile, it might be cool to re-develop the key storyline and put it under a modern western society context to attract attention from global market. Like the movie "The departed" but in this case, could be even more creative.