This Banned 32-Year-Old Period Drama Is One of the Best Films You’ve Never Seen

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In modern cinemas, depictions of China’s contemporary era are surprisingly scarce. What adds to the disappointment is that Western films tend to oversimplify this turbulent period into a black-and-white battle between ‘good’ and ‘evil.’ To gain a more comprehensive understanding of China’s complex recent history, viewers often need to look towards Chinese productions. Among them, a compelling drama worth exploring is known as .

The movie by Tian Zhuangzhuang offers a potent exploration of the Cultural Revolution, stretching across about a decade – more than enough time to witness transformation. With a running time of 140 minutes, it provides ample opportunity for an overwhelming sequence of emotional impacts.

The Blue Kite is One of the Greatest Films

  • Roger Ebert included the film on his “Great Movies” list.
  • Steven Schneider placed the film among the “1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die.”
  • Tian Zhuangzhuang’s film won multiple awards, including the top prizes at the Tokyo and Hawaii International Film Festivals.

Although the multiple awards that The Blue Kite might lead one to believe it has a complex plotline, its narrative is quite straightforward. It primarily focuses on the life of a boy named Tietou (Iron Head) and his family. His dad, Chen Shujuan (played by Liping Lü), works as a librarian, while his mom, Lin Shaolong (Cunxin Pu), is a standard homemaker. This small family unit forms the core of the story. However, their peaceful life soon unravels as events take a turn for the worse during the ensuing decade. Despite the chaos that ensues, young Tietou remains attached to the symbolic blue kite his father crafted at the film’s onset.

In these tumultuous days, our nation seems to be engulfed by a fervor so strong, it’s hard not to notice the relentless clash between opposing sides, each showing an unsettling enthusiasm. Yet, Zhuangzhuang cleverly dissects this lengthy saga into three more manageable segments: Father, Uncle, and Stepfather. Each of these characters serves as a significant male role model in Tietou’s life, with each successor introducing his unique, imperfect love. It’s apparent that there is much to admire amidst the political turmoil, but affection seems to be in short supply during such tense times.

In a less formal way, we could say: The errors in child-rearing portrayed in this movie serve as storytelling devices, yet they also subtly critique both past and present societies. A hint of parental frustration seems to underlie The Blue Kite. The “tough love” approach to parenting might have been a survival tactic, but it usually leads to trouble. Interestingly, the movie’s most heartwarming family moment is the scene with the blue kite.

What Makes The Blue Kite Such a Powerfully Moving Film?

  • During his filmmaking ban, Tian Zhuangzhuang worked alongside many upcoming Chinese directors. He is credited with nurturing the nation’s Sixth Generation of directors.
  • Each of the film’s three segments corresponds to distinct political events. The Blue Kite begins with the Hundred Flowers Campaign, moves to the Great Leap Forward, and concludes with the Cultural Revolution.

Similar to numerous films in its genre, “The Blue Kite ” portrays the struggles and triumphs of an era, showcasing both the hardships endured and the nation’s unyielding spirit. Regardless of numerous challenges, the protagonist, Tietou, continues to move forward, encountering increasingly intricate problems. The film is overtly political yet manages to tell a story that resonates deeply. China’s ever-changing backdrop serves as a harsh reflection of personal life journeys.

Though not everyone experiences the same challenges, many can relate to the struggles of growing up, especially as depicted in Tietoe’s life, which was marked by innocence hastened by political unrest. This story resonates deeply, and the outstanding acting in the film The Blue Kite underscores its heavy themes even more profoundly. It is difficult not to be moved to tears upon finishing this powerful piece, as each performance adds authenticity to the characters’ ordinary lives.

Many “apparent allies” might disguise themselves as ordinary, upstanding individuals, but don’t let their deceptive appearance fool you. Beneath the surface, they could harbor intentions that lead to heartbreaking betrayals. This serves as a stark reminder of the unsettling truth that evil is not always embodied by stereotypical villains; instead, it can emerge from those closest to us – friends, family, or even trusted confidants.

The Controversy Surrounding The Blue Kite

The Blue Kite garnered international praise, but struggled to connect with a local audience, as it was prohibited from screening in Mainland China. However, for those eager to view the film, it’s relatively simple to find and watch. The controversial nature of its content was the main cause for its ban, but Zhang Yimou’s decision not to withdraw the movie from the Tokyo Film Festival added fuel to the fire of debate.

In a slightly different wording: Although some critics are hasty to attribute the controversy solely to “brainwashing,” it’s essential to understand that there are two distinct perspectives on this topic, neither of which can be definitively labeled as incorrect or biased. One group interprets the tumultuous period as a series of unfruitful tragedies, while another sees the sacrifices made during that time as the cost for the nation’s current (relatively) peaceful state.

This segment might also explain why The Blue Kite achieved international acclaim, as it was prohibited within its home country. However, similar films received celebrated premieres in Mainland China. For example, To Live is widely regarded as a treasured masterpiece of Fifth Generation Chinese cinema. Interestingly, these pieces offer more overt critiques of the Cultural Revolution.

As a film enthusiast, I’d say that movies like “The Blue Kite” offer a stark portrayal of mid-20th century China’s turmoil, which might resonate more easily with international viewers. It allows us to depart from the cinema with our beliefs unscathed, save for the subtle undertones of moral ambiguity that linger. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t make “The Blue Kite” a poor film. On the contrary, it’s a profound piece of introspective reflection. Compared to films like “Raise the Red Lantern” or “To Live”, its more relatable narrative might be easier for Western audiences to digest.

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2025-05-24 06:58