The grandeur of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) often evokes images of its apex, the fallout from the An Lushan Rebellion, and the illustrious figure of Li Bai, arguably the most revered poet in Chinese history. This captivating era and the legendary poet’s life are set to animate the big screens across China with the premiere of the new animated film, ‘Chang’an San Wan Li,’ or ‘30,000 Miles from Chang’an,’ this Saturday.
Set against the backdrop of a crumbling empire several years after the devastating An Lushan Rebellion, the story unfolds in the capital city of Chang’an, teetering on the brink of succumbing to warfare. Amidst the escalating chaos, the narrative takes a unique turn as Gao Shi, a Tang general ensnared in an impossible battle, relates his remarkable tale of friendship with the poet Li Bai to a warrior dispatched by the emperor.
The film is the latest production from the Chinese film studio, Light Chaser Animation Studios, renowned for the successful New Gods franchise, which includes titles such as ‘Nezha Reborn’ and ‘Yang Jian.’ The studio has teamed up with Australian sinologist Linda Jaivin, leading a team to craft the film’s English subtitles.
From its trailers, it’s apparent that ‘Chang’an San Wan Li’ continues the studio’s tradition of emphasizing traditional Chinese culture. However, it also marks a deviation from their usual repertoire, shifting from mythological themes to real historical figures. The animation studio has chosen Li Bai’s intriguing story to launch its ‘New Culture’ series.
“The New Culture series aims to spotlight actual historical figures in China, serving as the series’ heart and soul,” revealed Zou Jing, one of the film’s co-directors, in an interview with the Global Times. The series also intends to unravel the lesser-known aspects of these figures, he added, thereby offering audiences a fresh perspective on renowned historical personalities.
Zou shed light on the choice of beginning the series with Li Bai, attributing it to the lasting allure of the Tang Dynasty. As an epoch of cultural flourishing, the Tang Dynasty’s poetry has ingrained itself in people’s consciousness from an early age. “We found ourselves speaking of one poet over all others, so we chose Li Bai,” Zou stated.
The directors Zou Jing and Xie Junwei have masterfully employed Li Bai’s romantic masterpiece “Bring in the Wine” to elevate the film’s narrative intensity. They initially envisioned Li Bai as a middle-aged man, based on traditional textbook depictions, but later opted for a younger, more carefree depiction, better reflecting the poet’s spirited nature.
Xie explained their rationale, saying, “Li Bai was not perfect. He had ambitions but lacked political acumen. His constant hesitation makes him more real.”
Regarding the film’s aesthetic, it employs a visually stunning contrast of navy blues and yellows to magnify the cityscape’s grandeur, truly pushing the boundaries of traditional aesthetics. Through this ambitious project, viewers can glimpse the resilience and romantic spirit of the Chinese nation, persisting through periods of upheaval and depression.
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