Friday, August 9, 2013

11 Flowers 2011

11 Flowers     This film is an autobiographical coming-of-age story set in the final days of China’s Cultural Revolution.  Wang Han is eleven-years old and he lives with his parents and younger sister in a remote village in Guizhou province.  Wang is selected to lead his school in their daily gym routine from a raised stage.  His teacher tells he him will need a clean white shirt to reflect the honor of this important position.  The teacher does not realize the pressure this will put on the poor family to come up with a new shirt.  During this time in China, ration coupons are given out to families for fabric.  They are only allowed a certain quantity for a year and most of the fabric is used to make for clothing for the New Year celebration.  Also, the family must come up with the additional money for the shirt.
     The cinematography of this region is beautiful!!  The boys and Wang’s friends at the school are funny.  They pinky promise for 100 years or to be turned into a dog about a secret but one boy breaks the promise right away!!  There was tremendous pressure on the people of China during the years of Chairman Mao.  Propaganda broadcasts, messages and pictures were everywhere from 1966 to 1976.  3 ½* (I liked this movie)

110 min, Drama directed by Xiaoshuai Wang with Wang Jinchun, Jinchun Wang, Liu Wenqing, Ni Yan, Zhang Kexuan, Zhong Guo Liuxing, Lou Yihao.

Note:  Imdb 6.8 out of 10, 92% critic 64% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

No comments:

Post a Comment