I just saw a preview of the Chinese/French movie “Summer Palace”. During the discussion following the showing there were passionate reactions to the film–split 50/50 for and against. I thought it was a very brave film that depicted the journey of a young, depressed teen-aged woman from her home town to Beijing University, before and after the 1989 uprising. A hand held camera, took me, and those who agreed with my experience, inside the mind and bodies of the protagonist and her lovers. The pain and passion were palpable and with the camera lingering as it did, one could not escape the emotions that bubbled up. I won’t say more, other than it gave me a deep look into the student, dormitory life at Beijing U. and everyday existence that I missed when I was in China last May for a Wu Tai Chi gathering for practitioners from around the world.
Reactions from the Cannes film festival were also split but somewhat tilted to the negative side. I have a feeling that analysts will load up on the side of intense engagement with the film. Click here to read a review that captures the essence of the film.
Myron S. Lazar, Ph.D.