‘China in Transition’ Film Series to be Held at UA

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama department of history is presenting “China in Transition,” a lecture and film series starting Oct. 2.

Dr. Anthony Clark, UA assistant professor of Chinese history, will provide introductory remarks before each of the four films. Three of the films are rare and they all have English subtitles.

All films will be shown at 7 p.m. in 252 ten Hoor Hall.

The series includes:

Monday, Oct. 2 — “The Goddess” (1934) — A young, single mother is forced into prostitution to support her son; fleeing from the police she becomes involved with a gangster who exploits her. This silent film illustrates how society prevents her from educating her son so that he can escape from the harsh society she lives in. The film provides commentary on China as it emerged from its imperial past.

Monday, Oct. 9 — “The Family” (1956) — Based on the famous novel by Ba Jin, this film is a complex portrayal of young people with modern ambitions in the wake of China’s May 4th Movement. Under the family leadership of a traditional Confucian grandfather, the household is set apart by a society of transitional values, emerging from the classical tenets of imperial China. This film illustrates the emerging critiques of traditional society as China became more aware of Western world views.

Monday, Oct. 16 — “The Legend of Red Lantern” (1970) — One of the so-called ‘eight model plays’ of the Cultural Revolution, this film is patently anti-foreign — specifically, anti-Japanese. The story recounts the history of a young woman who becomes a heroic revolutionary, risking life to serve the motherland, China. The film draws on traditional Chinese opera to promote the ideals of the Maoist Cultural Revolution.

Monday, Oct. 23 — “Farewell My Concubine” (1993) — This film recounts the lives of two men within the turbulent landscape of the Cultural Revolution during the mid-20th century. The director, Chen Kaige, employs issues of love, gender, sexuality and cultural change to present a vivid commentary on one of China’s most dramatic upheavals. This is a deeply provocative film, hailed by many critics as one of China’s most important movies.

For more information, call 205/348-1858, or e-mail aclark1@ua.edu.