Quote analysis Flashcards
(144 cards)
1
Q
“Wipe out corruption, wipe out waste, for bureaucratism total distaste!”
A
- Camera angle: focuses on Tietou (focusing on the hope for the young generation)
- Children singing as they play hopscotch (shows the extent of the Party and how indoctrinated they are)
- The children’s lives have been affected (they are copying the adults)
2
Q
During the power cut
A
- The child holding the light represents the hope the new generation
- The Party has chipped away everyone’s hope
3
Q
“Daddy was dead. He died instantly. He didn’t even have time to cry out” - Tietou
A
- He’s talking from the future, emphasising the grief which they couldn’t show
- The sentence is short and emotionless (reflecting the shock of the news). This shows how Tietou has been affected and how quick the Chinese government can take/strip happiness, family, relationship.
- The Party silencing Shaolong (didn’t even have time to cry out)
4
Q
“Why did you let it go? I didn’t. It flew away by itself”
A
- The young generation can’t be contained by the Party (won’t be strapped down) and will continue to be free. They are independent and have no need to follow the government
- Message/metaphor: the people should be free and not contain one another
- Tietou lets the bird go unlike the people around him
5
Q
“Chen Shujuan, stupid old hen” - Tietou
A
- He is rather disrespectful with his mother
- It shows the impact of the violence and politics on the young generation
- He has started to swear (copying the adult’s action) to express his emotion
- It shows the shift in their relationship. In the beginning, they were close but now politics is driving a wedge in their relationship.
6
Q
Tietou is bullied by children and then throws stones at them.
A
- The bullying and throwing stones shows that the younger generation is becoming more violent.
- It also shows his reputation and what people think of him because of what happened. The Party has not just affected his father but also him.
- This might be one of Shujuan’s reason to marry Guodong so Tietou can have a father figure/to complete the family
- The courtyard, once lively, is now noisy with work and labour.
7
Q
When the firecrackers go off, the children shield their faces (showing that they dislike violence)
A
Tietou looks around and doesn’t know where to go, resembling the young generation’s internal morals and how they don’t know how to choose right from wrong after the Party’s influence.
8
Q
“You know, the one with the long nose and big ears…” - Tietou’s friend
A
- Tietou’s attitude has changed (the way the boys talk is rude)
- They have been influenced by their surroundings. Whilst Shujuan hasn’t raised him this way, she has no power about Tietou’s surroundings
- School is a place for learning, literature which are things the Party wants to eradicate and they are fighting. (Shows the influence of the Party).
9
Q
Tietou flies the kite with NiuNiu
A
- The roles are reversed now and Tietou is taking more of an adult role in taking Niu Niu kite flying (mimicking Tietou and Shaolong – passing the hope to the new generation and the beginning of the film)
- Music: soft & the scene is quite comforting showing a glimpse of hope as it resembles the beginning with the kite flying high (before when the Party got involved)
we see the hope in the new generation slipping as he focuses on homework rather than playing (he is losing his innocence) - Lighting: on the homework showing what is important
10
Q
The kite is stuck up high in the tree…do you think we can get it down” - Niu Niu “No I can make another one for you” - Tietou
A
- This scene resembles the beginning as Tietou says exactly what Shaolong and Guodong said.
- Tietou seems to want to protect Niu Niu’s innocence
- The kite resembles how it’s going to take a long time for people to return to their life before the Party.
- Camera angle: the overhead shot as they watch the kite showing how the Party is stealing their childhood from them (sense of longing)
the kite foreshadows something is going to happen
11
Q
“Down with Lu Wei”
A
- Lu Wei is wearing blue separating her from everyone else.
- Everyone has turned on her quickly showing how quickly the Party acts and turns people against them
- The children cut her hair = stripping her of the humanity (the children are laughing at this cruel treatment)
- Tietou is chanting with the kids, despite Lao Wu being an intellectual, as well showing the influence of those around them
- This shows how the young generations don’t understand and just follow those around them
12
Q
“There are a lot of posters already in my workplace criticising me…”
A
- Despite being a prominent Communist Party official, this does not protect him from the Cultural Revolution (no-one is safe from the Party)
- Things are out of his control and no one can predict what/when things will happen
- Again, friends and colleagues have turned their backs on each other (criticising each other). There is no loyalty within the community and their loyalty only lies within the Party.
- It dehumanises people (they are doing exactly what the Party wants them to do, not caring about family and relationship, void of emotions)
13
Q
“What can I do? They’ll soon come to the house. And it’ll mean trouble for the both of you.”
A
- Home (which was once a safe place) is being invaded by the Party)
- The Party doesn’t care about families and are willing to storm into private property (a safe place). Lao Wu’s criticism puts them all at risk.
- This contrasts previous scenes when home has been a safe place but now they are terrified even in their own homes.
- The fact that the little red book is in front of them during such a private conversation signifies the impact of the Party and how little freedom they have. (Party is always watching them)
14
Q
“I didn’t think things would happen so quickly”
A
- Despite being a prominent Communist Party official, this does not protect him from the Cultural Revolution (no-one is safe from the Party)
- Things are out of his control and no one can predict what/when things will happen
- Again, friends and colleagues have turned their backs on each other (criticising each other). There is no loyalty within the community and their loyalty only lies within the Party.
- It dehumanises people (they are doing exactly what the Party wants them to do, not caring about family and relationship, void of emotions)
15
Q
“Old comrade? He’s an old counter-revolutionary” - Red Guards
A
- His house is crowded. There are so many red guards for one man showing the strength of the Party
- The Party doesn’t care whether you’ve helped the Party In the past.
- Shujuan helps Lao Wu, it’s the first time we’ve seen someone do something to help someone else
- The scene of house with poster (see previous note)
16
Q
“The maid is calling us for dinner” - Tietou
A
Tietou seems to be mocking Lao Wu and Shujuan’s position in the house/family
He seems to be mimicking Lao Wu
17
Q
“What’s with you, young man? You don’t like me do you?”
A
- It starts happy and nice with the family eating together
- But it turns into conflict showing how they aren’t much of a family
- Shujuan again becomes the mediator between them
- Lao Wu eats Tietou’s rice symbolising acceptance. This is how Lao Wu expresses his love for Tietou. (This is representative of a typical father, he doesn’t say I love you but he shows his care with support e.g giving them everything he had
- This contrasts a later dinner scene where they are happily eating.
18
Q
“This money is for you and Tietou. It’s not much, but it should get you through any hard times.”
A
- Lao Wu has a very practical role in Tietou’s life by providing money for Shujuan/Tietou (Lao Wu’s patriarchal figure in his life).
- Each of the patriarchal figures in Tietou’s life has somehow offended the Party and so has not been able to provide a happy life for Tietou.
- The Party has taken a father figure, a family and hope from him (later at the end when Tietou looks up at the torn blue kite).
19
Q
Tietou is wearing smarter clothes showing how they are benefiting from the marriage
A
- the scene is quiet and peaceful unlike the bustling courtyard
- We see the Uncle studying in a study (with books) show that
20
Q
He takes me to the zoo, and eat peppery lamb’s stomach too”
A
the scene is lively with children running
Tietou is lying about Lao Wu painting him in a good light. We see that Tietou still craves a family atmosphere
21
Q
“Did you say I saw home?”
A
- Mrs Lan is fearful of the Party due to her higher status.
- She is a nice and caring person - a foil to the community chief (who is brutal and a voice of the Party) whereas Mrs Lan is kind and cares for others (a different image to the government is trying to paint onto the landlords etc.
22
Q
We confiscated them as a lesson to everyone”
A
- Her buns get confiscated. She then can’t provide for her family.
- The community chief is trying to turn people against her and humiliate her.
- It has happened right in the courtyard showing how the Party is invading people’s safety and private place.
- She is forced out of her home and has to leave to go to the countryside since she can’t bear to live there (being the target of the Party).
- Camera angle: watching their conversation through a window showing how the community chief is lying and the naivety of the people to believe her and the Party’s words.
23
Q
“It’s just that my field of vision is smaller than other people’s.”
A
- It deteriorates due to stress (disease and the environment) doctor says to avoid stress but this is impossible due to the Party
- This is a metaphor of how his future is uncertain due to the nature of the Party and the promise of a brighter future is blinded by lies.
- This is ironic since the Party forces a close mindset (Shusheng has always been aware of what’s going on but now his eyesight is deteriorating which is what the Party wants).
- Lightning: a contrast between dark and light. The bright light and loud noise is overbearing.
24
Q
“Your mental state is important.”
A
His bad mental status as a result of the Party has worsened his eyesight. This is metaphorical since the Party is blinding him physically and also mentally. It shows how some people blindly follow the government.
- Lighting: backlighting when the light source is placed behind the subject. This creates silhouettes and creates a dramatic effect and emphasises the subject. It creates a tense atmosphere.
- Shusheng doesn’t understand why the government is not making him a Party official but it’s because he is intelligent and not blindly brainwashed by the government which is ironic since he’s physically blind
25
Shusheng taking photo of family
- Shusheng is taking a photo of the family which is ironic since he is losing his eyesight. It can also represent how he has a different perspective (he has a positive view). He’s taking a picture of the family in a bright and positive light whereas we know the problems between Shuyuan and Guodong
- Outside the family has to put up a front and hide whereas inside they can express their feelings and be themselves. They try to make it seem like they love each other but we know that they don’t.
- The narration marks a new chapter and change
26
“I can’t see how dancing serves any political purposes.”
“It’s a political duty.”
- There is political pressure on her to serve her country. The Party official is sitting down whilst she is standing up emphasising the contrast in their positions. (He is superior and of more importance.)
- She can’t dance. She is shown her place as a woman in the Party.
- Later scene shows Zhu ying working in a labour camp showing the consequences of going against the Party. Red banner = communist colour.
27
“ Zhuying has frequently stirred up sentiments against the Party
- Setting: snowing (Harsh environment), crowded (contrast from the quiet intimate atmosphere from before)
- Camera angle: Over the shoulder shot- Zhu Ying seems isolated and vulnerable.
- Everyone backs away (shows how people abandon each other in the face of the Party
- The more she is punished the more sad she becomes (loses herself)
28
“Shusheng we mustn’t see each other anymore, it would be bad for your future.”
- Zhuying and Shusheng can’t have a relationship. She is scared for their future.
- The Party is breaking up relationships with each other since their entire loyalty must lie within the Party.
- Shusheng is wearing a green army uniform and Zhuying is wearing blue worker clothes.
- She knows the consequences of the Party since she spoke against them so she knows it will affect people around her (Party’s effect on people around them)
- Audience feels sympathy for each other- they are trying to protect each other and hide things from each other
29
Shuyan and art
- Shuyan was an art student and so was considered an intellectual.
- His artwork is a symbolism and is evidence of him being an intellectual. This foreshadows him being later sent to a labour reform camp.
- It shows how literature/freedom to learn and express will be banned (western culture).
- Shujuan says Shuyan has always been fearless but he looks a little fearful when he sees that
- Tietou had torn the picture that he made.
30
“Such extreme reacting rightist element deserve merciless criticism”
- He is labelled as a rightist and is shunned by people
- Cinematography: contrast between the bright light and the dark lightning.
- Shuyan is isolated and alone (the criticism of the Party has isolated him). He is in complete darkness (can’t see him), shows the Party’s ability to eradicate people
- The focus of the scene is Shuyan since he has made all these mistakes but in the centre is someone reading something from the Party.
- Amongst all of this, the government is still the most important thing.
- Setting: art room- a form of expression and literature which is disliked by the Party. There’s a contrast between the setting and situation their in with the government
31
“Young people ought to concentrate on study and thought reform”– Big Sister to Shuyan
- Big sister: has no name (dehumanised)
- Big sister slaps Shuyan: shows how the Party has fractioned the family dynamic (encourages aggression towards each other, makes others question whether to follow the Party of family, shows the breakdown of the family relationship)
- The clock rings: marking the end of the relationship
32
“Ma, don’t be upset. It’s good for Shuyan” - Sister
Sister: believes this is good for the Party (voice of the government, don’t have their own opinion, obedient, government ideal person) similar to the community chief
33
“Yes the other had a bad background”
- They still care about societal background
- Those who had educational background were rightists and had “bad background”
- Peasants girls were safe from the Party which is ironic
34
“Little Uncle left too. They both went to places far away”
- Shuyan gets sent to labour camp
- Older sister is indoctrinated by the Party (loses her relationship with her family).
35
“What’s happening to everybody?” – Mum.
- It shows how the older generation is starting to acknowledge the change that is occurring in China, but that they still don’t understand it.
- The Granny is questioning is what has happened to everyone, shows that the family is not safe anymore (she doesn’t know what it happening but still faces a change)
36
“Who is this Stalin person?” - Local Granny
- shows the lack of knowledge about politics among the older generation
- They can’t understand what is going on
- Cinematography: This stillness of the scene contrasts with the previous movement symbolising how this political event has brought the courtyards life to a grinding halt, and could be read overall as symbolic for the restrictiveness and invasion of politics in everyday life
37
“I’m illiterate. What do I have to do with meetings?” - Local Granny
- The older generation feel helpless
- It emphasises the gap between the old and young
- It also shows that the Local Granny is quite practical, as it doesn’t make any sense for her to attend meetings that require her to be literate, even if the Party demands she attends.
38
“Ma, you mustn’t talk like that outside the family.” - Shujuan
- It shows the mum doesn’t understand how to behave in order to survive in this new political environment.
- Represent tradition - they don’t understand (party has changed)
39
“Ma, don’t be upset. It’s good for Shuyan” - Sister
“Nonsense! He’s just a kid who thinks too big” - Mother Granny
- The sister believes this is good for the Party (she is the voice of the government, doesn’t have their own opinion, obedient, is the government's ideal person) similar to the community chief
- Granny is still family orientated
40
The Granny prays for Tietou
- This shows the strength of the community and the relationship between the neighbourhood.
- It’s night but she has stayed up
- She shows the old tradition not following the new way
41
“His father may be in a labour reform, but he’s not a criminal” - Granny
- She defends Tietou, Shujuan and Shaolong after Shaolong is declared a rightist.
- She is not influenced by the party, as many other people would have isolated the family due to Shaolong’s perceived status as a rightist.
- This highlights the generation gap, as the Local Granny can see past the political ideology (mainly because she is ignorant of it) to the truth, unlike other characters, such as Older sis, who are completely indoctrinated by the government.
42
“Forget it I’m not getting into an argument” - Mother “There’s more leftovers”
- This shows the generation gap since the mother doesn’t want to talk about politics but talks about food = comfort whereas younger generation talks about Party
- The mum only wants what is best for her children. She struggles to understand the political situation, especially when Shuyan and Shaolong are declared as rightists.
- She seems to enjoy family dinners, although not when politics is brought up during the meal.
- She focuses on her own family, rather than the demands of the party.
43
“You are the youth of New China. You must carry on the glorious revolutionary tradition and make a contribution to the motherland” - older sis
- Older sis has no name (dehumanised)
- She talks of politics during the family meals
- She is the voice of the Party
44
“Everything looks so delicious now! Manual labour has that effect.” - Older sister
She talks positively about the Party and shows her indoctrination.
45
“It’s a feat unparalleled in history. You must have heard at least!”
- We see the opposing views of the political situation
- Dramatic irony: the audience knows how the Great Leap forward failed but it’s ironic seeing the older sister so optimistic refuses to acknowledge the situation
46
“Young people ought to concentrate on study and thought reform”- Older Sis to Shuyan
- Older sis slaps Shuyan showing how the Party has fractioned the family dynamic
- It encourages aggression towards each other and makes others question whether to follow the Party of family
- The clock rings: marking the end of the relationship showing the breakdown of family
47
“There you go again. You’re still not over Shaolong.” - Older sister
- Older sister is insensitive and has any emotions (doesn’t sympathise with Shujuan about Shaolong’s death)
- She does not prioritise family relationships
48
“We confiscated them as a lesson to everyone”
- She represents the voice of the Party. She also accuses Mrs Lan of getting flour for the buns from the black market.
- She wears blue overalls = party
- She has no relationships with anyone and is directly linked to the party. This could resemble how her entire loyalty lies with the Party and how the Party tries to break all relationships.
49
He is rather disrespectful with his mother. He has started to swear (copying the adult’s action) to express his emotion
- It shows the impact of the violence and politics and hatefulness on the young generation and the shift in their relationship.
In the beginning, they were close but now politics is driving a wedge in their relationship.
- Shujuan rereads the letter while Tietou is asleep so she can express her emotions and protect Tietou from the reality
- Single lamp light: shows how isolated Shujuan is (only has one hope), compared to the family scenes with lots of light but now it’s just her and Tietou
- The seasons are changing (a year has passed), the weather is getting harder as is the Party
50
Cinematography: cold and blue compared to how the room used to be warm
- A picture of Shujuan and Shaolong
- The room is in order and nothing has changed. Despite losing her husband, Shujuan tries to be strong. She tried not to let this event impact her and Tietou’s life.
51
“When can I ever stop worrying about you?” - Shujuan
- There used to be lots of people but now there are just Shujuan and Tietou with their shadows.
- There’s a propaganda photo showing the Party is always watching
52
“Just have a fit one-day and die” - Shujuan
- Tietou is numb/emotionless and Shujuan is showing complete despair to their relationship. - A rift in their mother-son relationship.
- Although she reprimands him, she is scared of losing him.
- Tietou closes his eyes and turns away, showing the divide in their relationship.
- Camera shot: she is alone
53
“Mum said she was doing it for me” - Tietou
- Shujuan is getting married again for Tietou
- The car symbolises her moving away from the previous life and leaving it behind (she watch as she and tietou drive away)
- It’s very abrupt and the audience does not know who he is. We don’t feel the emotion showing how Shujuan is marrying for survival rather than personal feelings (showing how the - Party has disrupted personal feelings)
- Music: (crow song) sad and slow
54
“We struggled with our principal today.”
- Tietou proudly states what they did to the teacher and Shujuan is not impressed (=she still hasn’t let the Party’s ideas take over) \
- The slap shows how Tietou is not becoming a bad child since Shujuan disciplines her children
- Tietou doesn’t know any different and think it’s the correct thing to do
55
“Mum, what makes you happy?../…Being with you.”
- The more the Party takes control, the more emotionless and depressed the characters feel (the lightning is more dark). We see this when Shujuan marries Lao Wu for money and stability. The Party has stripped the people of their humanity.
- This moment between Tietou and his mum is special because despite what has happened, their bond is still strong (she married Lao Wu to ensure Tietou had a good life).
- Music: the crow song plays in the background (which resembles their mother and son relationship).
- Camera angle: the camera pans out, we are left with this special and heart-warming and hopeless scene
56
“Assistant secretary general of the state council offered a unique suggestion for the Rectification movement..Later he received an anonymous threatening letter. He likened Party members to man-eating tigers.”
- This demonstrates what happens to those gives their thoughts to the Party
- Liu Yun Wei: send criticism about the Party on behalf of the others (the one who drops on the banner on Shaolong and Guodong)
57
Neighbourhood and community in the beginning:
- Cinematography: The establishing shot is a pan down onto a brown, grey town. This contrast of the pan down with the still, wide shot of the previous scene could be symbolic for the movie's focus on the ordinary person and lower class.
- The next few shots are panning and dolly shots of workers and community members bringing furniture into the courtyard. This constant movement of the camera is indicative of the hustle and bustle of the community, and shows the life and spirit of this courtyard community.
58
Shujuan is lining up for food
- Camera angle: high angle which emphasises the queue and how food is becoming lacking
- We see Shujuan amongst the many citizens showing that she is just one person amongst the many who are struggling for food
- We can see and feel the contrast of the community from the beginning which a happy and lively
59
“Now it’s a storeroom for confiscated goods.”
- People/the community are disappearing at the hand of the Party and have been sent away (Mrs Lan). People Tietou knows.
- The boy is smoking, showing the effects of the Party (innocence). The adult role has been taken over by the young generation.
- The Red Guards have moved into the courtyard and Tietou’s old home (the Party has infiltrated their safe place). The courtyard used to be bustling but now it’s quiet. The community has been destroyed with people now moving away.
- The Party has confiscated items showing how they are stripping people of their family belongings
60
Politics infiltrating the courtyard
- Shaolong hits Tietou showing Shaolong putting his anger on Tietou
- The neighbourhood/children watching: Politics in community
- There is a contrast between the children and the Party: them watching Tietou get hit
61
“Let me go! Animals.” - Shujuan
- Music: the crow song begins to play but a more low and dark version and Tietou tries to save and protect his mum.
- Shujuan has called the Red Guards “animals” showing how the Party has dehumanised them (they beat Tietou) and the political brutality.
- The Red guards will beat anyone (from kids to elderly to those with health problems- no morals)
- Tietou breaks bricks over a red guards head (shows how much he has changed contrast to the sparrow) – how the Party has affected him
62
“After collectivisation we’d be workers, not entrepreneurs.” - Mrs Lan
“We can do nothing to change our class status. So our hope are dashed, just like that”
Choice has been taken away, they don’t have a say in the matter
63
“Don’t get too upset. This is. Political movement. All the cadres are under attack”
- How normalised violence has become
- It’s scary how normalised it among the middle generation
- Even the big sister who was a big supporter of the Party is not safe
64
“They’ve been carrying out revolution most of their lives”
- The revolution has had an impact of everyone’s lives
- the older generation don’t understand what is happening
65
Red Qipao
wearing this and the red veil is tradition. It’s too extravagant to wear outside (social pressure).
- This shows the change politics has brought to tradition and the fear of the people.
66
“Could Liu Yun Wei be the only Rightist in this whole library?”
- Liu Yun Wei: send criticism about the Party on behalf of the others (the one who drops on the banner on Shaolong and Guodong)
- Camera angle: over the shoulder: highlights the Party figure looking down on the people. It emphasises the height difference which translates visually to a power difference
67
“Take up gongs and drums, and don’t down your weapons until every last sparrow has dropped from the sky” - Community chief
the incessant nature of the Party (the people can’t stop for the Party
68
“Some things are so unpredictable. Look at this. It’s so strange.” - Shujuan
- Shujuan shows Guodong the broken horse head which resembles Shaolong’s death
- It shows the unpredictability of the Party
- She seems a bit suspicious as to why the horse is broken and the names of the people on the scarf are dead
- The director tries to imply that Chinese people are so innocent that they think it’s a coincidence, how people die. They are so obedient to the Party.
- E.g one person die from giving birth (there are no doctors since they are intellectual)
69
“The more I do, the less I understand” - Shujuan
- The Party’s action are confusing, but people follow them blindly without thinking about it
- But when Shujuan thinks about it she doesn’t understand the Party. This is similar to when she looks at the red scarf
- It shows the naivety of the chinese people
70
“Everything looks so delicious now! Manual labour has that effect. What’s happening now is moving?”
Older sister - the propaganda of the Great Leap forward makes her think positively of the event.
71
The propaganda song during the wedding and family meal.
- Praises labour and peasants
- We can see the ideologies of the party and the change to society since the par
72
There is a play
- This is a demonstration of propaganda from the Party. It promotes military heroism by presenting the father as ‘brave’ and ‘noble’ for going out to help.
- Dad and mum also don’t have a name
- It shows how people have to abandon their family life- shows that their number 1 priority should be the government
- This also foreshadows Tietou’s future (his father leaving)
73
“The magistrate is furious.” - chanting children
- Red banners
- Propaganda is a method of control over people’s thoughts
- No education
74
The Little Red Book
- Even the Little Red Book is on the table whilst she is having a private conversation with Lao Wu, showing how little freedom the people have.
- Once more, the audience feels as if the Party has eyes everywhere, as the Party continues to invade a place of privacy and comfort and become a part of their lives.
- Red book = no education
75
Portrait of Mao during the wedding
The camera focuses and draws the audience’s attention to the portrait of Mao (instead of the couple) making us feel the political atmosphere. The audience gets a sense that the Party is always watching, penetrating the everyday lives of the people.
76
“First, pay your respects to Chairman Mao.” - Liu Yunwei
- The setting of the big portrait behind the couple
- It shows the impact of politics on ordinary people’s lives. The presence of the Party, even in leisurely activities, as acts of conformity are deemed normal in their daily lives.
- It draws our attention to Mao rather than the couple
- This demonstrates politics penetrating their lives (e.g wedding being postponed)
- Camera angle: the camera pans around making us engaged to feel the political atmosphere
77
The propaganda pictures in the bedroom
There’s also poster in living room (a place of privacy, family and comfort)
It shows the impact of politics on ordinary people’s lives. The presence of the Party, even in leisurely activities, as acts of conformity are deemed normal in their daily lives.
78
Red Banner and noise
- There is banging and noises. Red communist colours of the banner. = loud and intimidating, establishing power
- Camera angle: the camera tracked/followed the children.
79
“The more I do, the less understand” - Shujuan
The constantly changing of the Party and propaganda is confusing for the people and causes them to blindly follow the government without questioning their actions showing the naivety of the Chinese people
80
“His father may be in a labour reform, but he's not a criminal”
It influences Shujuan to go to the labour camp (and leave her child). The pressure from the citizens to protect her son and purify her status.
81
Hotpot resents reunion/abundance of food (warm and comforting)
This contrasts later with the lack of food
In the home, plentiful, luxurious, personal and comforting.
82
Shujuan queuing for food
- Camera angle: high angle which emphasises the queue and how food is becoming lacking
- We see Shujuan amongst the many citizens showing that she is just one person amongst the many who are struggling for food
- We can see and feel the contrast of the community from the beginning which a happy and lively
83
“We got through the three bad years when there wasn’t enough to eat” - Tietou
Food shortages are getting worse
Tietou seems to gloss over it showing how he is detached and normalised
84
Guodong giving criticism in Shaolong’s name out of fear of the Party (even the closest individuals betray each other and act irrationally)
- Guodong looks guilty implying that he knows the outcome of Shaolong (link back to Guodong having a conversation with the manager in the library. Guodong tries to save himself.)
- People are scared of the Party and are willing to sacrifice people.
- There’s a contrast between the children and the Party: Quiet which suddenly cuts to the noisy courtyard (innocence of the children)
85
“They’ll soon come to the house, it’ll mean trouble for the both of you.”
Lao Wu divorces Shujuan out of fear of the Red Guards
86
Lee Yong gang shoots himself
- he would rather die than being named as - Rightist as he knows what punishment and torture will be faced
- Camera angle: the low angle shows Lee on the floor and the shoes of the person in authority. It makes the subject look more powerful (shows the contrast)
87
“Daddy’s bad. I’m going to kill him.”
- This contrasts between innocence and politics
- Tietou and his mother are inside (safe and private) whereas Shaolong is outside. This foreshadows how the fate of Shaolong
- Tietou is more violent (reciprocating the - Father’s behaviours/adults)- shows the effect of the politics/red guards on the young generation.
- It shows the importance of family relationship
88
“Some things are so unpredictable. Look at this. It’s so strange.” - Shujuan
- Shujuan shows Guodong the broken horse head which resembles Shaolong’s death
- It shows the unpredictability of the Party
- She seems a bit suspicious as to why the horse is broken and the names of the people on the scarf are dead
- The director tries to imply that Chinese people are so innocent that they think it’s a coincidence, how people die. They are so obedient to the Party.
- E.g one person die from giving birth (there are no doctors since they are intellectual)
89
“The more I do, the less I understand” - Shujuan
- The Party’s action are confusing, but people follow them blindly without thinking about it
- But when Shujuan thinks about it she doesn’t understand the Party
- Similar to when she looks at the red scarf
- It shows the naivety of the Chinese people
90
The blue kite at the beginning
- the child singing song = innocent
- the kite resembles high expectations for government, hope, freedom
- Blue = blue workers
- the Musical motif of the child singing not only emphasises Tietou's youth and innocence, but also acts as a motif throughout the the movie to remind the audience, that throughout all the turmoil in Tietou's life, he still a vulnerable child and is powerless to stop the destruction around him
- The kite = Tietou’s hope and dreams. Every time the kite is trapped/breaks, there’s a new political change which affects his hopes.
- E.g the first time was collectivisation and this time it’s the Hundred Flowers campaign
91
The blue kite is stuck in a tree
- Blue kite=freedom
- It represents how Chinese people are stuck
- They don’t get it down, they make a new one
- Children try to free the kite but they can’t (passing hope to the next generation)
- Camera angle: high and low angle shot
- The kite flies away in the blue sky (reference to the beginning)
- The hands holding on tight to the kite symbolises how Tietou is in control of his own fate. Once it’s let go it shows how he is not in control of anything. He’s being affected by the political situation.
92
He goes out with the kite with the intention to fly it but is instead embraced by Shaolong (father)
- It could foreshadow that after the broadcast he might be in trouble/something bad is going to happen
- The kite/hope and freedom is not being flown
93
“The kite is stuck up high in the tree…do you think we can get it down” - Niu Niu
“No I can make another one for you” - Tietou
- This scene resembles the beginning. Tietou says exactly what Shaolong and Guodong said.
- Tietou seems to want to protect Niu Niu’s innocence
- It’s going to take a long time for people to return to their life before the Party.
- Camera angle: Overhead shot as they watch the kite showing how the Party is stealing their childhood from them (sense of longing)
- The kite foreshadows something is going to happen
94
The blue kite at the end
- The camera pans back to the broken blue kite and the beginning of crow song plays.
- We see the contrast between the vibrant flying blue kite (innocent child singing, hopeful) in the beginning and now the broken kite all tattered at the end (hopeless)
Kite= hope for new generations
- The kite is also symbolic of China: the country is in pieces
- This resembles Tietou’s hope. It signifies the destruction of his childhood, father roles and finally him. All his hope is gone, he has given up
95
The broken horse
Horse: Foreshadowing the fate of the family
Shujuan is unaware of why the horse is broken
96
The dried well
- Dry= they lack hope and their sense of community, the party empty promises shows the citizens resilience as they are able to continue
- Well is a symbol for community. It is located at the center of the Community in which the community draw water, the basic sustenance for life.
97
Dry well lane
Symbolic meaning of the well - shows the context of class and how some people are less fortunate. A well can also display a lack of necessary resources as a literal meaning as well as a more symbolic meaning. I.e lack of hope. The well also has negative connotations in comparison with the way the party is supposed top be treated. The Chinese people will suffer as a consequence of the complete brutality of the party.
98
Train station red banner
The Red banner: communist colour shows
Their dark clothes contrasts their banners
Train = so many passengers, each person has their own story. From the film we follow the life of one family but people might have similar or difference situation showing the impact of politics (other families also suffering)
99
train station
when Shaolong leaves, the train station symbolises the end and emphasises the fact that this will be the last time everyone sees Shaolong. In the run up, the family situation is not joyful or happy and so it preempts his death. However, when Shujuan comes back from doing labour in the countryside, everyone waiting for the train is far more enthused and excited. They are being welcomed as heroes. The train here symbolises the arrival.
100
The Snowy setting with train
- Opening setting: a wide shot of the snow with the train in the background contrasts the scene before which was narrow
- Camera angle: Low angle: of the train, makes it seems further away, sending Shaolong somewhere unknown, out of their control (in the government’s eyes it’s just people being taken away)
- The snow resembles the cold feelings the government has
101
Shaolong's death
- The camera cuts from an icy setting with an industrial influence of the train going by, then juxtaposes it to the natural forest that the camera cuts to.
- This shows all the forces that caused Shaolong's death - the cold, industrial government that took him away, and then the conditions and tree that killed him.
- Shaolong's journey to jail - an open, natural area, juxtaposed to the small contained prison cells that she lives in. This juxtaposition is emphasised when the camera pans to the lines and lines of prison bars, showing how trapped she is.
102
”Wipe out corruption, wipe out waste, for bureaucratism total distaste!”
- Camera angle: focuses on tietou (focusing on the hope for the young generation)
- Children singing as they play hopscotch (shows the extent of the Party and how indoctrinated they are)
- The children’s lives have been affected (copying the adults)
103
“The Magistrate is furious…”
- Children reading out loud (reading something children shouldn’t be reading)
- Politics has evaded the children’s safe place
104
“You know, the one with the long nose and big ears…” - Tietou’s friend
- Tietou’s attitude has changed (the way the boys talk is rude)
- They have been influenced by their surroundings. Whilst Shujuan hasn’t raised him this way, she has no power about Tietou’s surroundings
- Tietou has gotten in a fight in the school showing his violent behaviour
- School is a place for learning, literature which are things the Party wants to eradicate and they are fighting. (Shows the influence of the Party).
- the children have no classes because the teachers are intellectuals
- The children are expressing violence (the violence of the Party has reached the children, they are no longer innocent)
- It marks the start of the cultural revolution
105
Courtyard in the beginning
- Cinematography: The establishing shot is a pan down onto a brown, grey town. This contrast of the pan down with the still, wide shot of the previous scene could be symbolic for the movie's focus on the ordinary person and lower class
- The next few shots are panning and dolly shots of workers and community members bringing furniture into the courtyard. This constant movement of the camera is indicative of the hustle and bustle of the community, and shows the life and spirit of this courtyard community
106
Courtyard camera angle
- Camera angle: Tracking shot = walking into ordinary people’s lives
- It demonstrates Government trying to penetrate people’s lives/safe place
- Smoke depicts the start of troubles/makes it more unpredictable/ominous
- Setting: a narrow aisle=confined/constricting/no freedom
107
Shujuan queuing for food
- Camera angle: high angle which emphasises the queue and how food is becoming lacking
- We see Shujuan amongst the many citizens showing that she is just one person amongst the many who are struggling for food
- We can see and feel the contrast of the community from the beginning which a happy and lively
- The courtyard, once lively, is now noisy with work and labour.
108
The courtyard is unclean with rubbish on the floor after Guodong died.
- It used to be a warm place of comfort but now it has changed. Before when Shaolong died, Shujuan continued to stay strong but now she can’t bear to live in the courtyard anymore (mentally exhausted)
- the red scarf is left behind: she can’t bear it anymore, she doesn’t want any reminders or things in her life anymore.
109
Shujuan has moved in with Grandma.
Their safe place is getting smaller and smaller (the courtyard is not safe anymore)
the window is smashed (party is always watching)
110
“Now it’s a storeroom for confiscated good”
- People/the community are disappearing at the hand of the Party and have been sent away (Mrs Lan). People Tietou knows
- The boy is smoking, showing the effects of the Party (innocence). The adult role has been taken over by the young generation
- The Red Guards have moved into the courtyard and Tietou’s old home (the Party has infiltrated their safe place). The courtyard used to be bustling but now it’s quiet. The community has been destroyed with people now moving away
- The Party has confiscated items showing how they are stripping people of their family belongings
111
People queuing for food
- contrasts beginning of scene of courtyard
- contrasts indoors family meal
- Communal kitchen for food.
- Food has gone from a private family gathering and comfort but now it’s public, scarce and crowded
- Food used to untouched by politics but not anymore
112
“I honestly never imagined that Liu Yin Wei was in fact inciting us to attack the Party” - Huo Dong
- Cinematography: the slow zoom in and dark room (corner of the library) reflects the secretive nature of the party
- Huodong is trying to plead to the Party
113
Tietou rips the poster
- Setting: Library
- It symbolises the hope for the young generation
- Poster: names of people who have offended the Party (e.g Liu Yin Wei- resembles how the party is always hanging over them
114
Forest
- Setting: a forest (end section) which mirrors the beginning scene of the same forest (inevitable)
- Tietou and his family has been impacted but nothing else has changed
- The director tries to make us feel a sense of security (that Shaolong is going to be okay) but it ends in shock
- Shaolong is buried alone surrounded by many trees (trees could resemble shows how much power the government has against insignificant people)
115
Lao Wu’s house
- It shows that the house is big and Shujuan has had to do it for the money and to provide for Tietou
- This contrasts with when the red guards are and the house is not as secure as we thought at the start
- Also, from the inside the rooms are big and far apart showing how separated they are as a family who supposedly should love each other. It is fairly ironic.
116
“Later he received an anonymous threatening letter.”
- This shows that the party turns against the people very quickly, lack of relationships since people turn against each other
- This impacts people’s lives, because it teaches people you can’t trust anyone, even you “father figure”.
- People start to turn on each other as they don’t want to be the one sent away, for example when they collectively decide that Shuyan is leaving after he goes to the toilet - constantly in fear of getting picked by comrades to be sent away.
- People getting sent away for something they were asked to do - this breaks up family relationships
117
“I feel I owe you and Tietou so much.”
Guodong feels like he owes their family so much because he was the one that gave the criticism on behalf of Shuyan. Although we know it was the party's fault.
118
Scene where Shuyan gets arrested
- Shuyan is isolated and alone (the criticism of the Party has isolated him). He is in complete darkness (can’t see him), shows the Party’s ability to eradicate people
- Amongst all of this, the government is still the most important thing the focus of the scene is Shuyan since he has made all these mistakes but in the centre is someone reading something from the Party
119
Setting: art room
- a form of expression and literature which is disliked by the Party
- There’s a contrast between the setting and situation their in with the government
120
Communal kitchens
- Communal kitchens replace family meals, taking away opportunity for private conversation and open friendship
- Food rationing takes way idea of luxury in the lives of people in the film
121
Food is scarce
- Long queue of people lining up in courtyard, long camera pan at high angle to emphasise the length
- Courtyard also becomes a place of labour rather than community
- Lack of individuality, most people seen in the blue worker clothes
122
Sparrowcide
encourages violence in the people and also has great impact on the future of the people's food - no bord to eat insects, insects eat crops
- Big impact on Tietou, displays his initial tendency towards being gentle rather than violent
- It creates loud, chaotic atmosphere, generated by banging of pans
123
The cultural revolution impacts the family
Lao Wu gets taken away and Shujuan and Tietou become separated. Also, it impacts both the children and their behaviour because their teachers are being taken away. They are not being properly educated and so are developing more violent behaviour as a result of the revolution. For example, when all the students and the children are chanting
- "Down with Lu Wei’.
124
Impacts people’s fear
Society feels afraid at the fact that they can be denounced at anytime. For example, Lao Wu says, ’there are lots of posters already in my workplace criticising me’. Shujuan and her mum talk about how scared they are to be caught by the guards. Shujuan says, ‘ Ma, you mustn’t talk like that outside the family’ and ‘all the cadres are under attack’. These quotes are a clear representation of the fear that society are felling at all times.
125
Airplane scene where Shusheng is blinded by the light
- Warm and comfort provided by the light and the cold harsh reality under the party symbolised by the dark
- Scene changes from comfort to this dark place (dark lighting quite tense)
126
Shusheng at the doctors
- Bright light and loud noises = over bearing
Shusheng eye condition = light = walking towards the unknown
- Very industrial compared to home scenes
- It’s blinding him, he cant see where he is going = Chinese people and govt
- Promise of a brighter future = blinded by lies
- The lighting is backlighting when the light source is placed behind the subject. This creates silhouettes and creates a dramatic effect and emphasises the subject.
127
“Such extreme reacting rightist element deserve merciless criticism"
- Cinematography: contrast between the bright light and the dark lightning
- Shuyan is isolated and alone (the criticism of the Party has isolated him). He is in complete darkness (can’t see him), shows the Party’s ability to eradicate people
- The focus of the scene is Shuyan since he has made all these mistakes but in the centre is someone reading something from the Party
- Amongst all of this, the government is still the most important thing.
128
Shuyan in the art room
Setting: art room- a form of expression and literature which is disliked by the Party
There’s a contrast between the setting and situation their in with the government
129
Shujuan reading the letter from Shusheng
- Shujuan rereads the letter while Tietou is asleep so she can express her emotions and protect Tietou from the reality
- Single lamp light: shows how isolated Shujuan is (only has one hope), compared to the family scenes with lots of light but now it’s just her and Tietou
- The seasons are changing (a year has passed), the weather is getting harder as is the Party
130
“So even in these times people are still getting married?” - Lao Wu
- Everyone is miserable. It has become normalised to stay at home and stay invisible to the Party
- Doing leisurely things are considered abnormal during these times
- Lightning: dark and cold (contrasting the warm lightning which is often used in their previous homes). It foreshadows what is to come and brings tension to the scene
Fire = burning academic (rightists going back in flames)
131
Cutting Lu Wei's hair
- Lu Wei is wearing blue separating her from everyone else
- Everyone has turned on her quickly showing how quickly the Party acts and turn people against them
- Cutting hair = stripping her of the humanity (the children are laughing at this cruel treatment)
- Tietou is chanting with the kids despite Lao Wu being an intellectual as well showing the influence of those around them (shows how the young generations don’t understand and just follow those around them)
132
Tietou living with Lao wu
- The other kids are wearing red (Red guard) whereas Tietou is still in blue (foreshadowing the ending)
- Tietou doesn’t act violently or get into another fight
133
Big sis’s views and ideologies are juxtaposed with the rest of the families over dinner
- She sits opposite her sibling (highlighting her opposite opinions).
- For example, she and Shusheng disagree over Shujuan’s decision to go to the countryside, with Shusheng believing Shujuan should prioritise her family, but Big sis believes that Shujuan should prioritise the Party.
- Additionally, Big sis wears glasses and is viewed as an intellectual and dedicated
Big sis wears glasses and is viewed as an intellectual, and dedicated Party member.
- However Shusheng loosed his eyesight as a result of the Party.
134
“It’s fine to be progressive but not at your child’ expense”- Shuyuan
135
“It’s a feat unparalleled in history. You must have heard at least!”
136
“It’s a feat unparalleled in history. You must have heard at least!”
- We see the opposing views of the political situation
- Dramatic irony: the audience knows how the Great Leap forward failed but it’s ironic seeing the older sister so optimistic
- She refuses to acknowledge the situation
- Irony: Shuyuan is the only person who can see things clearly but he is going blind.
137
Mrs Lan vs working class characters
- Mrs Lan initially wears more expensive, red clothes and nice jewellery (symbolic of her status), and this is contrasted to the blue uniforms of the working class.
- This juxtaposition emphasises class divides at the start of Mao’s new regime, and when this juxtaposition is no longer evident (when Mrs Lan switches to blue overalls), we can see how much society has changed.
138
Government treat men differently
- Governments target men and underestimate the women, this leads to the downfall of the patriarchy as the women rise above and get through the periods of hardship and remain just as strong.
- Shujuan says the school came fifth because they have female workers. It shows that even though they live in communist country, not everyone is treated equally
139
Women
- Women are the driving characters in the film - strong female characters eg. Shujuan, local granny
- Mrs Lan as head of community - women in position of authority.
- Shujuan needs to go to the countryside and aid with labour work as well as agricultural productions, showing that it is not only the men who are entitled to work in order to express their support for the party.
- Voice of party is female - Big sister - as well as the community chief who is seen enforcing the law is female.
- See community chief asserting authority when confiscating Mrs Lan's flour “the question is: where did all this flour come from?”
- Zhuying stands up against her bosses, as well as surviving and returning from prison
140
Shujuan and Tietou singing
- The song is symbolic of Tietou’s and Shujuan’s relationship
- It contrasts with the scene before (the marching)
- Outside it’s tense, but inside people can relax, it’s comforting
- In the house they can say their opinions but outside they have to suppress it
- High angle- shows how detached they are from the political world
- The warm colours inside is a big contrast from the outside world (cold and dark)
141
Private: comforting, abundance of food,
People are more willing to share their emotions, eg: ZhuYing
The older generations have to always be reminded that they have to act differently in vs out of the house
142
Public: less food (communal kitchens), loud, can’t express political views
Towards the end of the film, people don’t even feel safe inside, ie because of the red guards, with LaoWu getting dragged out whilst he was sleeping
143
First establish a career, family comes second - Older sis
144
You make think I was fine. But in fact inside I was so scared- Zhuying
