Message from the Freedom in Movies Making – Views on a classical Chinese film Flowers in the Mirror (Dreamland)
By Zi-An
In the world of films and movies making, it is a collection of scents of life. It allows the audiences to feel and taste the true essences of life. And good films will possibly take you beyond these boundaries.
Flowers in the Mirror a tale of an immortal, the Hundred Flowers Fairy Maiden. Once a goddess, she descends to earth undertaking her promise. She completes her divine mission and returns to heaven during a celebration party. The movie plot is unusual, as it has narrated happenings in 3 levels of heaven and earth.
The number element is carefully used in Flowers in the Mirror. The opening sequence is staged with 3 “sun”. As such implying the story is taking place in 3 levels: the hundred flowers fairy maiden at Penglai (heaven); the hundred flowers fairy maiden touring human world; and the watchful eyes of a higher being (heaven). The Chinese character three carries the meaning of abundant as well. Suggesting that there are more to the eyes.
The sound element is managed with care as well. The fairies hardly made any sound with their merry footsteps; the noise made in the tranquil forest (implying the worries of the human world); and the complete silence display the power of a higher being.
Recently I saw a Chinese Brush painting drawn by the director of Flowers in the Mirror. Five orchids painted on the left of the paper, and the other half of the paper was deliberately left blank. The empty space on the right is a traditional Chinese drawing technique known as “Liu Bai”(meaning empty space). The Chinese character five has the same sound as “enlighten”. The Chinese painting of five orchids and the big empty space on the right of the painting served as the purpose of a simple cue that one should see things beyond the surface. The director uses this same technique of “Liu Bai” into the making of Flowers in the Mirror. To be considered as an All-Rounder in traditional Chinese Culture, one should be well versed in all areas of Music, strategic skills, drawings, writings and reading. The director has carefully left an empty space for viewers to reflect. Maybe one will be “awakened” from one Dreamland with such kind reminder.
http://www.shenzhoufilm.com/sz/en/2009/11/07/a10110.html 2009-11-7 10:15