The summer cinema scene has been electrified by a new animated sensation, “Chang’an San Wan Li” or “30,000 Miles from Chang’an”. Not only has this film broken records by accumulating a staggering 1.8 billion yuan ($249 million) by September, but it has also carved its niche in the hearts of audiences both in China and internationally.
The brilliance of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) shines brightly in this cinematic marvel. Renowned as a period of prosperity and upheaval, the tale beautifully captures the spirit of the era through the deep bond between two poetic legends – Gao Shi and Li Bai. Their stories have always been revered, but “30,000 Miles from Chang’an” made the previously distant and illustrious poets more tangible and relatable. The film’s rendition of the poem “Invitation to Wine” stands out as a mesmerizing visual and narrative highlight, drawing effusive praise for its captivating representation.
The Film Season For Diplomats, a distinguished gathering with over 300 attendees from nations such as Italy, Japan, and Kazakhstan, echoed this sentiment. Sami Parviz, an officer from the Tajikistan Embassy in China, drew parallels between the movie’s romantic undertones and Tajikistan’s own rich poetic tradition. The movie, in his view, did an impeccable job in merging romanticism with poetic aesthetics, making it an audio-visual treat. He further applauded the animated feature’s portrayal of the vastness and depth of Chinese culture, predicting a bright future for the Chinese animation industry on the global stage.
Subtitles often act as the unsung heroes in bridging cultural and linguistic divides. The film’s English subtitles, crafted by a team led by the reputed Australian sinologist Linda Jaivin – renowned for her work on the classic “Farewell My Concubine” – played an instrumental role in making the essence of the Tang Dynasty poets resonate with a global audience. This sentiment was echoed by an audience member from the Middle East, who felt a deeper connection and understanding of the Tang Dynasty through the film’s adept translation.
The president of Light Chaser Animation Studios, Yu Zhou, expressed his astonishment at the movie’s monumental success. He attributed the international acclaim, in large part, to the compelling narrative and the film’s expertly rendered subtitles.
Mario lzzi, a cultural representative from the Italian Embassy in China, reflected on the film’s power to bridge cultures. He emphasized that while China and Italy each boast distinct and rich histories, cinematic exchanges like “30,000 Miles from Chang’an” can illuminate and draw these cultures closer, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation.
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