Chinese Box

Last updated
Chinese Box
Chinese box.jpg
DVD cover of Chinese Box
Directed by Wayne Wang
Written by Jean-Claude Carrière
Larry Gross
Paul Theroux
Wayne Wang
Produced by Lydia Dean Pilcher
Jean-Louis Piel
Wayne Wang
Starring
CinematographyVilko Filac
Edited by Christopher Tellefsen
Music by Graeme Revell
Distributed by Trimark Pictures
Release date
  • September 4, 1997 (1997-09-04)
Running time
99 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguagesEnglish
Chinese
Box office$2,178,160

Chinese Box is a 1997 movie directed by Wayne Wang and starring Jeremy Irons, Gong Li, Maggie Cheung and Michael Hui. [1]

Contents

The movie is set and was made at the time of Hong Kong's handover to the People's Republic of China on June 30, 1997. The film credits Paul Theroux as a source for the story, based on themes he explores in his 1997 novel Kowloon Tong . The film enjoyed modest box office success in the United States. [2] [3]

Plot

The movie unfolds at least nine different stories on very different levels.

First, there is John as a reporter, trying to capture interesting scenes on the streets of Hong Kong, persuading himself his work gives his life a tangible meaning.

Second, there is Vivian who is looking to find a balance in life, trying to escape from the underground she once was a part of and forget about her past, but is hindered in her attempts by prejudices that go back thousands of years in the Chinese society (including Hong Kong).

Third, there is Vivian (still), with a chance to discard most of her problems by simply marrying John and moving to England with him. Even though she is tempted to do so, she knows this would just be running away from the core of the problem and could not be a long-term solution, mostly because of their different cultural backgrounds and maybe even because of a subtle uncertainty regarding John's ex-wife and former life.

Fourth, there is Jean, with her own story and with a typical Hong Kong here-today-who-knows-where-tomorrow attitude - living the moment, enjoying and suffering at the same time, embodying a perfect reflection of modern life, especially so easily seen in Hong Kong in the late 1990s. She understands all of the different kinds of hardships that come in life and, with her face somewhat disfigured, is marked more intensely than most, but also knows where to draw the line in selling herself. John tries to help her, but does that in a dishonest way, which disappoints her tremendously. According to a note in film's credits, Jean's story was inspired by a short story by the American-British author Rachel Ingalls. [4] [5]

Fifth, there are John and Jim. Close, mutually understanding, with enough humor and sarcasm to keep them going through both the good and the bad days. Even though their outlooks towards life differ significantly, their love for the job (journalism) creates a strong bond of true friendship.

Sixth, there is Chang, a man of power, of high position, but a wimp in his heart. His immense wealth cannot replace what he lacks in personality. He has no charisma, no morality, no care, and exists purely on his imaginary throne of pretentiousness and status. While he is ashamed of Vivian, he does love her, but in a pathetic, cowardly way. He is very much into 'saving face' and can not find an equilibrium in his life (professional nor personal). He agrees to marry Vivian, but deceives her by arranging merely a mock wedding photo session, so she could have some pictures to send to her family. Vivian burns all of the photos and accepts the notion she will never be happy nor free.

Seventh, there are John and Vivian. A story of true love that just isn't meant to be. Not because they wouldn't want it to, but because of the constraints of the societies they live in.

Eighth, there is John (again), perplexed with his own mortality, which he is suddenly forced to face.

Ninth, there is the political aspect of Hong Kong politically becoming a part of China again, which (at the time) was a great uncertainty.

Filming locations

The movie shows the actual temporary press room which was specially set up for the press coverage of the handover, and located in the old part of the Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Certain scenes were shot at the Main Bar of the Foreign Correspondents' Club. [6]

The main characters residence in the film was shot in a flat located along Central–Mid-Levels escalators, just below Hollywood Road in Central.

Cast and roles include

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maggie Cheung</span> Hong Kong actress

Margaret Cheung Man-yuk is a former Hong Kong actress. Raised in Hong Kong and Britain, she started her career after placing second in 1983's Miss Hong Kong Pageant. She achieved critical success in the late 1980s and into the early 2000s, before taking a break from acting following her last starring role in 2004. She rarely makes public appearances except for fashion events and award ceremonies.

<i>In the Mood for Love</i> 2000 film by Wong Kar-wai

In the Mood for Love is a 2000 romantic drama film written, produced and directed by Wong Kar-wai. A co-production between Hong Kong and France, it portrays a man and a woman in 1962 whose spouses have an affair together and who slowly develop feelings for each other. It forms the second part of an informal trilogy, alongside Days of Being Wild and 2046.

<i>2046</i> (film) 2004 film by Wong Kar-wai

2046 is a 2004 film written, produced and directed by Wong Kar-wai. An international co-production between Hong Kong, France, Italy, China and Germany, it is a loose sequel to Wong's films Days of Being Wild (1990) and In the Mood for Love (2000). It follows the aftermath of Chow Mo-wan's unconsummated affair with Su Li-zhen in 1960s Hong Kong.

<i>Twin Dragons</i> 1992 Hong Kong film

Twin Dragons is a 1992 Hong Kong action comedy film directed by Ringo Lam and Tsui Hark, and starring Jackie Chan in a double role as identical twin brothers separated at birth.

<i>Gorgeous</i> (film) 1999 Hong Kong action romantic comedy film directed by Vincent Kok

Gorgeous is a 1999 Hong Kong action romantic comedy film directed by Vincent Kok, who played Lo's assistant, served as a writer with Lo Yiu-fai and Jackie Chan, who also stars and producer in the film. The film co-stars Shu Qi, Tony Leung, and Emil Chau. The film performed well at the Hong Kong box office.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ann Hui</span> Hong Kong film director (born 1947)

Ann Hui On-wah, is a film director, producer, screenwriter and actress from Hong Kong who is one of the most critically acclaimed filmmakers of the Hong Kong New Wave. She is known for her films about social issues in Hong Kong which include: literary adaptations, martial arts, semi-autobiographical works, women's issues, social phenomena, political changes, and thrillers. She served as the president of the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild from 2004 to 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hong Kong New Wave</span> Film movement in Chinese language cinema

The Hong Kong New Wave is a film movement in Chinese-language Hong Kong cinema that emerged in the late 1970s and lasted through the early 2000s until the present time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1990s in Hong Kong</span>

The 1990s in Hong Kong marked a transitional period and the last decade of colonial British rule in Hong Kong.

<i>Comrades: Almost a Love Story</i> 1996 Hong Kong film

Comrades: Almost a Love Story is a 1996 Hong Kong film starring Maggie Cheung, Leon Lai, Eric Tsang, and Kristy Yang. It was directed by Peter Chan. The Chinese title refers to "Tian Mi Mi", a song by Teresa Teng whose songs are featured in the film. It was filmed on location in Hong Kong and New York City. Leon Lai later commented in 1997 that the story of Li Xiao Jun is somewhat a description of his own life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sylvia Chang</span> Taiwanese actress, writer, singer, producer and director

Sylvia Chang is a Taiwanese actress, singer, director, screenwriter, and producer. In 1992, she served as a jury member at the 42nd Berlin International Film Festival. In June 2018, she was invited to become a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In the same year, she served as a jury member at the 75th Venice International Film Festival.

<i>Linger</i> (film) 2008 Hong Kong film

Linger is a 2008 Hong Kong romantic drama film directed by Johnnie To and starring Li Bingbing and Vic Chou.

<i>Kung Fu Cult Master</i> 1993 Hong Kong film

Kung Fu Cult Master is a 1993 Hong Kong wuxia film adapted from Louis Cha's novel The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber. Directed by Wong Jing, it featured fight choreography by Sammo Hung and starred Jet Li, Sharla Cheung, Chingmy Yau, and Gigi Lai in the lead roles.

<i>The Legend Is Born: Ip Man</i> 2010 film directed by Herman Yau

The Legend Is Born: Ip Man is a 2010 Hong Kong biographical martial arts film based on the early life of the Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man, directed by Herman Yau and starring Dennis To in the title role. The film was followed by a sequel in 2013, Ip Man: The Final Fight. Though not made in collaboration with Wilson Yip's Ip Man or Ip Man 2, The Legend is Born features several actors who appeared in Yip's films, including Sammo Hung, Louis Fan, and Chen Zhihui. The film also features a special appearance by Ip Chun, the son of Ip Man. Released as Ip Man Zero in German and Dutch-speaking areas.

<i>All About Love</i> (2010 film) 2010 Hong Kong film

All About Love is a 2010 Hong Kong film directed and produced by Ann Hui. Based on a true story, the plot concerns two bisexual women who had been lovers in the past and meet again years later in a counseling session for expectant mothers. Hui said in an interview that initially "There were no investors" for the film because the subject of same-sex relationships was banned in China, and the Hong Kong film industry relied on the Chinese market.

<i>Zodiac Killers</i> 1991 Hong Kong film

Zodiac Killers is a 1991 Hong Kong action thriller drama film directed by Ann Hui and starring Andy Lau, Cherie Chung and Junichi Ishida.

<i>The Magic Touch</i> (film) 1992 Hong Kong film

The Magic Touch is a 1992 Hong Kong comedy film written, produced and directed by Michael Hui, and stars Hui himself alongside Leon Lai.

<i>Front Page</i> (film) 1990 Hong Kong film

Front Page is a 1990 Hong Kong comedy film directed by Philip Chan and starring Michael Hui, Samuel Hui and Ricky Hui. The film is a remake of the Hui Brothers' 1976 film, The Private Eyes.

<i>Trivisa</i> 2016 Hong Kong film

Trivisa is a 2016 Hong Kong action crime thriller film produced by Johnnie To and Yau Nai-hoi, featuring the directorial debuts of newcomers Frank Hui, Jevons Au and Vicky Wong. The film is a fictionalized story about three real-life notorious Hong Kong mobsters, Kwai Ping-hung, Yip Kai Foon and Cheung Tze-keung, who are portrayed in the film by Gordon Lam, Richie Jen and Jordan Chan respectively. The film had its world premiere at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival's Forum section. The film also opened the 40th Hong Kong International Film Festival on 21 March 2016 and was theatrically released in Hong Kong on 7 April 2016.

<i>Fantasia</i> (2004 film) 2004 Hong Kong film

Fantasia is a 2004 Hong Kong comedy film produced, written and directed by Wai Ka-fai and starring Cecilia Cheung, Sean Lau, Louis Koo, Jordan Chan, Francis Ng and Christy Chung. The film is a homage to classic Hong Kong comedy films which starred the Hui Brothers, Michael Hui, Samuel Hui and Ricky Hui, particularly the 1976 film, The Private Eyes.

<i>Our Time Will Come</i> (film) 2017 Chinese film

Our Time Will Come is a 2017 war film directed by Ann Hui, starring Zhou Xun, Eddie Peng and Wallace Huo. It revolves around the resistance movement during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong. The film opened in China on July 1, 2017 to commemorate and to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to China. It was released in Hong Kong on July 6, and in the United States and Canada on July 7.

References

  1. ↑ Holden, Stephen (April 17, 1998). "Chinese Box (1997) FILM REVIEW; A Meditation on the Meaning of Hong Kong". The New York Times .
  2. ↑ https://variety.com/1998/biz/news/trimark-to-trim-15-of-staff-narrow-goals-1117481149/
  3. ↑ https://variety.com/1999/biz/news/sanders-tapped-as-lions-gate-vp-1117490116/
  4. ↑ The A.V. Club
  5. ↑ Calendarlive.com
  6. ↑ F.C.C Facilities - Main Bar Archived 2009-05-25 at the Wayback Machine
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.