kandylova19

In this film, Zhang Yimou portrays the stark difference between Japanese and Chinese culture without succumbing to biased tendencies. Among the numerous cultural differences, perhaps the greatest visual distinction would be the colorful masses of China against the gray, solitude of Japan. The audience becomes aware of these contrasts as Takata, a Japanese father sets out on a journey to China in hopes of improving his estranged relationship with his son who is dying from liver cancer. Through his travels Takata comes to a greater understanding about life, himself, and his son's interest with the Chinese culture, especially the folk operas.

As part of our human psychology, many of us long for spontaneity and adventure in our lives. In Luis Bunuel's "Phantom of Liberty" we are awarded just that. As this film is meticulously arranged in a series of episodes, we meet a diversity of characters with no real relation to one another and are linked by chance. These scenarios are enriched with magical realism as they explore the taboos of society and are filled with dark humor. Among the variety of scenarios, one which remains the most memorable to me is the incessant of the young boy and his aunt. This scene clearly depicts the influence of our society and just how much it governs our principles of right and wrong. In America, our society has made us comfortable with the idea, and has even traveled lengths to glamorize the event of an older man with a young women i.e. Hugh Hefner and his playmates. However, when we were presented with the scene of a young man with an older woman, I noticed many of my classmates; including myself, cringe at the portrayal. In terms of incest, we also highly discourage this act, but in many cultures this is perfectly normal and acceptable in their society. Scenes like these encourage one to keep an open mind and resort from passing judgment. It is important to make our own value judgments based on what we believe rather than being governed by the norms of society. After all who is to say what is "normal" or right from wrong.