THE BLUE KITE《蓝风筝》

In 1993, Chinese filmmaker Tian Zhuangzhuang released "The Blue Kite" a groundbreaking film that took a close and unflinching look at the impact of the Cultural Revolution on ordinary people. The film was initially banned in China due to its controversial subject matter and its content was deemed so offensive that it earned the director, Tian Zhuangzhuang, a 10-year ban from making films. It has since become recognized as a classic of Chinese cinema and a poignant exploration of the human cost of political upheaval. With its intimate portrayal of everyday life and its nuanced treatment of complex social and political issues, "The Blue Kite" remains a powerful and resonant work of art that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. In 1993, the film won the Grand Prize at the 6^th Tokyo International Film Festival.

(Image source: IMDb)

Told from the perspective of a child, Tietou (铁头, Tietou, literally meaning 'iron head'), the film reflects on the political movements in the mainland from 1953 to 1967. The heroine is Chen Shujuan, Tietou's mother, who has had a difficult life. Her first husband was wrongly classified as a rightist and crushed to death by a falling tree during his labour reform in the north. Shujuan's second husband, Li Guodong, adores Tietou because he feels bad for the mother and son. However, he dies of malnutrition due to overwork during the Great Leap Forward. The third husband is a old cadre from a privileged family. The mother and son are comfortable for a time but the Cultural Revolution breaks out, and Lao Wu (the third husband) is criticized and killed by the rebels during the Cultural Revolution.

One of the central themes of "The Blue Kite" is the destructive power of blind patriotism. Throughout the film, the Communist Party's rhetoric of "class struggle" is used to justify the persecution of innocent people, including Tietou's mother and father. As Tietou grows older, he begins to question the official narrative and the actions of the Party, but he also comes to understand the risks involved in speaking out against the regime.

Another important theme in the film is the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Despite their many hardships, Tietou and his family never lose hope or give up on their dreams of a better life. They find ways to adapt to the changing political climate and to support one another in times of crisis.

The film also explores the complex relationship between the Chinese Communist Party and the people it governs. We are shown how the Party can mobilize the masses to support its agenda, as in the case of the enthusiastic mobs that denounce Tietou's teacher. At other times, we see how the Party's actions provoke resentment and resistance, as with the protests that erupt after the authorities take Tietou's father away.

Social and Political Context

"The Blue Kite" is set in the 1950s and 60s in Beijing, China. During this time, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was in power, and Mao Zedong's policies dominated Chinese society. The film portrays these policies' impact on ordinary people's lives.

The Cultural Revolution, from 1966 to 1976, was significant in Chinese history. It was a period of political and social upheaval, during which Mao sought to purge capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. This led to widespread violence, including the persecution of intellectuals, the destruction of historic buildings and artefacts, and the brutal suppression of dissent. "The Blue Kite" provides a detailed account of the Cultural Revolution's impact on the lives of ordinary people.

The film's portrayal of the Cultural Revolution is controversial in China. The government has censored the film, and ithas only been shown in limited screenings. The film is critical of Mao's policies and portrays the Cultural Revolution as a time of great suffering and hardship for ordinary people.

Chinese Film Industry

"The Blue Kite" was a significant film in the Chinese film industry. It was one of the first films to be produced in China after the end of the Cultural Revolution. The film was shot secretly and had to be smuggled out of the country to be edited in Hong Kong. The film's critical portrayal of the Cultural Revolution was controversial in China. However, the film has received critical acclaim outside of China and has won numerous awards, including the Grand Prix at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival.

The film "The Blue Kite" derives much of its strength from its focus on the lives of ordinary people. It does not feature any clear villains or prominent political figures, instead depicting mobs of neighbours simply trying to do what they believe is right. When a teacher is denounced and has her hair cut, the mob appears youthful and energetic, with Tietou enthusiastically describing their actions to his mother. The term "struggle" is used repeatedly throughout the film to describe the process of political correction, emphasizing the pressure that individuals face to conform to social expectations.

Overall, "The Blue Kite" provides a nuanced and complex portrayal of the impact of political ideology on daily life. It highlights how even well-intentioned individuals can be swept up in broader movements without fully understanding the implications of their actions. The film is a moving reminder of the human cost of political upheaval and the importance of maintaining strong connections to our communities during times of crisis.

While "The Blue Kite" is a politically charged film, it achieves its impact indirectly by focusing on the universal theme of human nature. Rather than a simple commentary on China, the film offers insights into the dangers of blind patriotism and the potential for well-meaning individuals to be swept up in more significant movements without fully comprehending the consequences of their actions. Watching this film provides a deeper understanding of how the Cultural Revolution gained such a powerful hold on people and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unexamined beliefs and uncritical loyalty.

Additionally, the film is left somewhat open-ended, which is fitting as it invites viewers to reflect on the themes and ideas presented and draw conclusions about the story. "The Blue Kite" is a powerful reminder of the importance of critical thinking and personal responsibility in political upheaval and stands out for its exploration of the human condition in adversity.