I know, I know, I know. China has 5,000 years of tragic history. But sometimes I feel that Chinese cinema is almost a bit too introspective and disillusioned with fate, the universe and everything.
Having already tried to sink me into a morass of depression by donating a DVD of Farewell my Concubine, tonight Jenny attempted to further my decline with a trip to Jade Goddess of Mercy. (English fan site here).
Brief synopsis: Everyone dies. You get depressed.
Okay, I jest. It was a good film, and in many ways a welcome and refreshing antidote to the saccharine conventions of Hollywood, end even 'gritty' Britflicks. Because life's a bitch. Death wields his hand in the most random and unjust fashion.
It also acknowledges that China does have a problem with drug trafficking, though I doubt whether the LAPD-style full-auto shootouts happen here any more than they do in California.
Though the characters who deserve some kind of retribution ultimately get it, those around them also suffer. Even the noble (though slightly boring) journo and the three-year-old kid. No Hollywood film would ever kill off the child actor. No way.
However, the final word is that I would not recommend seeing this film if you are in a good mood because it will spoil your day.
Having finally met Chairman Meow himself in Michael's plush apartment (and failed to get this blog converted to Movable Type), it was on to see the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra perform a selection of classic choons at the Grand Theatre. Highlights included the Blue Danube and a rousing Radsetsky March finale.
Plus gratis DVDs of A Touch of Zen and Farewell my Concubine to keep me occupied while I wait for more counterproductive messing about from Jiaotong. The first film stars and the second was produced by Kung Fu queen and Jenny's boss, Hsu Feng. (Alternative link here.)
Not a bad haul. Don't know what I'd do without Jenny now, but what do you give to the woman who has everything? All she got was one tangerine flavour Mento. Feel kind of guilty now.