China Books

Memoirs from the Beijing Film Academy: The Genesis of China's Fifth Generation

NI Zhen [Other titles by this author]

Stock ID: 18914

ISBN: 9780822329701

Duke University Press 2002 1st Edition

230 x 155mm. 88 b&w photographs. 240pp

After graduating from the Beijing Film Academy in 1982, directors like Chen Kaige and Zhang Yimou revolutionized Chinese cinema with Red Sorghum, Farewell My Concubine, Yellow Earth, Raise the Red Lantern, and other international successes. Memoirs from the Beijing Film Academy tells the riveting story of this class of 1982, China's famous 'Fifth Generation' of filmmakers. It is the first insider's account of this renowned cohort to appear in English. Covering these directors' formative experiences during China's tumultuous Cultural Revolution and later at the Beijing Film Academy, Ni Zhen ? who was both their screenwriter and teacher ? provides unique insights into the origins of the Fifth Generation's creativity. Memoirs from the Beijing Film Academy illuminates the Fifth Generation in light of the social and political history of contemporary China. While it addresses the collective identity of the filmmakers, most of whom were born in the late 1940s or early 1950s, it also examines how they view themselves and relate to one another. Ni Zhen has supplemented his personal knowledge of these directors with new interviews conducted for this volume. Intervening in current debates, he argues against mistaken postcolonial criticisms which allege that these filmmakers marketed an exotic image of China to Western audiences. He also demonstrates the diversity of the Fifth Generation, commenting on the breadth of styles and themes explored by its members and introducing a range of male and female directors, cinematographers, and production designers famous in China but less well-known internationally. The book contains vivid descriptions of the production processes of two pioneering films ? One and Eight and Yellow Earth. Memoirs from the Beijing Film Academy will be essential reading for international film buffs as well as scholars of contemporary Chinese culture. 'Ni Zhen was himself one of the educators of the Fifth Generation, so he has been able to give a full and accurate account of what happened then on the basis of his own first-hand evidence. He also gives a detailed scholarly analysis of the origins of the Fifth Generation and the particular conditions that produced this art movement. Reading his book not only gave me intellectual pleasure, but also took me back to those unforgettable times.' ? Chen Kaige, director of Farewell My Concubine and Yellow Earth 'Memoirs from the Beijing Film Academy: The Origins of China's Fifth Generation Filmmakers brings back memories for me. It tells the true story of how I moved from ignorance to full maturity along with a group of my peers. Everyone faces challenges of some sort in their youth. They become life's most beautiful memories. That means this is not just a book about film, but also a book about human life. Once youth is over it never returns, and so we treasure it in our hearts. Thank you, Professor Ni Zhen, for writing this deeply moving book.' ? Zhang Yimou, director of Raise the Red Lantern, Judou, and Not One Less Ni Zhen is a consultant to the Shanghai Film & TV Company and Visiting Professor at the Shanghai Theatre Academy. He was Professor of Art Direction and Professor of Film Theory at the Beijing Film Academy, where he taught from 1980 to 2000. He has written screenplays for films including Raise the Red Lantern and Blush. Chris Berry is Associate Professor in the Program in Film Studies and the Department of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. (For this item please quote stock ID 18914)

Related Subject Areas:

Chinese cinema/films