Tuesday, September 6 2011
The 100 Essential Directors Part 10: Josef Von Sternberg to Zhang Yimou
The final day of directors is here, Josef Von Sternberg through Zhang Yimou. German Expressionism, Dogme 95, contemporary views of Asian life, post-WWII malaise in Eastern Europe, and the alternately heartwarming and queer takes on everyday life in Baltimore all hold a space on today's list. Did we forget your favorite director on this list?
Monday, March 26 2007
Curse of the Golden Flower (2006)
Even with all the gilded luxury surrounding them, the feverish tension between these characters is what holds your eye.
Thursday, May 5 2005
House of Flying Daggers (Shi mian mai fu) (2004)
While Zhang and Zhang's commentary track emphasizes the sheer effort that went into the film's production -- training, research, special effects work, hours on the set, physical hardships -- it also suggests the good time they shared.
Friday, December 3 2004
House of Flying Daggers (Shi mian mai fu) (2004)
While the men's trajectories seem well delineated, Mei's fate and meaning are both more opaque.
Friday, August 27 2004
Hero (2002)
Had it been released five years ago, Hero's point might have seemed anachronistic, but today, it's hard to ignore its resonance with world events.
Thursday, August 15 2002
Happy Times (Xingfu Shiguang) (2000)
Explores the many costs of 'modern times'.
Sunday, January 1 1995
The Road Home (2001)
It is Di's (Zang Ziyi) own absolute faith in herself, her determination to endure despite all political or social edicts, that grants 'The Road Home' unusual, and unusually moving, weight.
Not One Less (1999)
Zhang Yimou's new film, Not One Less, feels like a movie that, somehow, I am 'supposed' to like, and I am not just a little bit anxiety-ridden in admitting that, really, I think it is actually somewhat dreadful.
