A new animated spectacle that journeys into the lives of a group of iconic poets from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) has recently made its debut in Chinese theaters. Garnering considerable praise from both young viewers and adults, the film has successfully captured the rich tapestry of an era marked by profound artistic expression. The film’s protagonists include celebrated poets such as Li Bai, Du Fu, Wang Wei, and Wang Changling.
“Chang’an”, directed by the accomplished duo Xie Junwei and Zou Jing, forms an engaging narrative focused on the ancient capital of the Tang Dynasty, today’s Xi’an, situated in northwest China. The storyline unfolds through the perspective of Gao Shi, a less renowned poet compared to illustrious figures like Li Bai and Du Fu.
“Gao Shi, contrary to the legendary and almost magical life experiences of Li Bai, is depicted as an ordinary official in the imperial court,” Zou Jing explained. “He wasn’t a prodigy, but rather a character who followed his ideals with a sense of simple tenacity. By placing Gao Shi at the center of our narrative, we hope to make it easier for audiences to resonate with the film and gain a more nuanced understanding of the rise and fall of the Tang Dynasty.”
“Chang’an” is not merely an animated film but a visual medium to delve into the rich tapestry of Chinese culture. Jing emphasized, “Our primary aim with ‘Chang’an’ was to use animation as a tool to excavate the limitless treasures of Chinese culture. Our ambition is to promote the essence of traditional Chinese culture more effectively, encouraging a broader audience to develop a deeper appreciation for it through our production.”
Spanning a runtime of 168 minutes, “Chang’an” offers a visually engaging and historically enlightening exploration of China’s Tang Dynasty. It does not just focus on the lives of these poets but provides a broader panorama of the era they inhabited, helping the audience to gain a profound understanding of the period’s cultural milieu.
As testament to its immense popularity and wide acceptance, “Chang’an” has registered impressive box office earnings since its release on July 8. The film has amassed more than 200 million yuan (approximately $28 million) in domestic box office revenue, signifying its success in drawing audiences into theaters to relive the artistic and cultural grandeur of the Tang Dynasty.
In essence, “Chang’an” offers audiences a captivating look into the world of Tang Dynasty poets, weaving a story of courage, perseverance, and the timeless allure of poetry. It serves as a testament to the power of animation in bridging the gap between historical narratives and contemporary audiences, underscoring the value of traditional culture in our modern world.
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