|
little chinese seamstress I can't remember when I first started to watch them, but I have loved seeing foreign films for years. Most American films pale in comparison when it comes to intellectual depth and that makes foreign cinema that much more meaningful for me. Film becomes an art in the hands of these foreign film directors and I would rather have that kind of experience than mere escapism that most American movie viewers seem to crave. Now as I said foreign films have been a love of mine for years, but it wasn't until this morning that I started to wonder what country has the most appeal for me when it comes to cinema. Without having to think too long, I decided that Chinese films are my favorite. Their use of lush color and sublime landscapes never grows old for me. Personal favorites include Raise the Red Lanterns and The House of Flying Daggers. Early this morning I added another to that list. Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress has to be the best film that I have seen in weeks if not this year. The cultural revolution in China must have been a very frightening experience for the intellectual community that was alive during that time. I can not imagine being sent to some remote rural part of the country where I would be reeducated. That sounds almost more scary then being in a war. At least in a war there would be a means to defend myself. I know that I am simplifying things here, but I doubt that there is anything comparable in American history. ... After I finished watching Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress, I had a very productive morning. I paid both my mortgage and electric bill. Then with another click of the mouse I paid off the cost of the airline tickets that I had put on my credit card last week. Once those things were done, I left the house to put gas in the car and buy some groceries. Upon returning home, I put away the groceries and did some laundry. Finally, when all of those things were done, I fell asleep for my afternoon nap feeling very satisfied with what I had done with my Wednesday. |