Analysis of To live 1994 Chinese Film by Yimou Zhang - Movie Review Example

To live 1994 is a Chinese film and animation that was directed by Yimou Zhang in the year 1994. Starring You Ge and Li Gong, the movie production took place by ERA International and Shanghai Film Studio. The entire movie is based on a novel bearing the same title and was compiled and written by Hua Yu. The movie was screened at the event of the 1994 New York Film Festival. This was before it received its eventual limited release in the US on 18th November 1994. Fugui’s behaviors and characters also make Jiazhen, his long-suffering wife leave him, together with their daughter and unborn son. This paper will look into a succinct analysis of the movie, considering the political aspect depicted in the film, for instance, the war in China (Yimou). Chinese civil war takes place and Chunsheng and Fugui get conscription into Kuomingtang during one of the performances.

He leaves his family behind and his only daughter becomes dumb due to a cold fever when he is away. From this, it is evident that conscription into the military or any other related activity in China was mandatory during the time the film was shot. It is also evident in Chinese society that rich people are considered anti-revolutionary and executed. An example is the murder of Longer who had just acquired his wealth through gambling with Fugui. The government also claims unlawful possession of individual wealth.

When Longer shows his unwillingness to donate his wealth to the public, he is considered an enemy of the revolution and is executed immediately(Yimou). This is a depiction of a long-time rift and disagreement between the two Asian nations. Another aspect of political dominion, in China, during 1994 is that of strictness in education policies.

Young is killed because of not getting up early for school. The government blindly believes that it is only through education that revolution can be achieved in China. Cogently reasoning, it is quite illogical and imprudent to terminate the life of a young individual who can be a source of revolution and progress for a nation in the future. In addition to the above, capitalists and reactionaries, are not tolerated in Chinese society. Changing, who is a chief, is branded capitalist and reactionary and he faces the consequences of it.

From the above illustrations and the general plot of the film, it is lucid that the Chinese government is blinded by the term ‘revolution’ and fails to realize that it is not always welcomed or received by everybody in a society that thirsts for it. It is also evident from the film that fighting for revolution involves different people, some with diverse ideas. Those with ideas that are not related to the authorities and are adamant to let them go are simply eliminated to enable revolution.