Oct-Dec 2010 Screenings
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Together With You
2002 - Chen Kaige - 117 - China
Fri 5 Nov 2004 at 8.30pm
Astor Cinema, Scariff
Storyline: Xiaochun is a 13-year-old violin prodigy who lives with his father, Liu Cheng, in a provincial Chinese city. Shy and sensitive, Xiaochun doesn’t say much – music is his way of expressing his feelings – but his entire life changes when his father, wanting the best for him, takes him to live in immense Beijing. Liu Cheng is willing to sacrifice everything so Xiaochun can audition for a prestigious music school and take lessons that befit his talent. In this exciting new world, Xiaochun studies with demanding teachers and is introduced to the cutthroat world of professional music. Through the people he meets – and seeing the consequences they’ve had to face – he also learns how painful life’s choices can be. Liu Cheng wants Xiaochun to grow up as a world-class violinist and live the successful life he himself couldn’t dream of, but as his training intensifies, Xiaochun has to figure out what he wants for himself – and how much he’s willing to give up for it. Ultimately, Xiaochun realizes how he truly feels about music and comes to understand the strength of his father’s love. Featuring an extraordinary classical soundtrack and woven together with the harmony and intensity of a complex musical orchestration, Chen Kaige’s Together With You is a stirring drama about the power of music and the importance of family.
Chen Kaige was born in Beijing, 1952. Made his directorial debut with Huang tu di (Yellow Earth, 1984), winner of numerous awards at different events, including the London Festival. But he didn't achieve international success until Farewell My Concubine (1993), winner of the Golden Shell at Cannes. He later directed Temptress Moon (1996), The Emperor and the Assassin (1999) and Killing Me Softly (2002).
“Nothing short of a melodious masterpiece.' - Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
“Impressively, there is not a false emotional or musical note in the entire feature.' - Bruce Feld, Film Journal International
“Heartwarming and feel-good...a delight” - Empire
Winner - Silver Shell (Best Director) San Sebastian Film Festival 2002
Winner - Silver Shell (Best Actor) San Sebastian Film Festival 2002
Winner - Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Editing / Golden Roosters Awards (Chinese Academy Awards)
Winner - Audience Award / Tribeca Film Festival
Verdicts from the Midnight Court
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