The King of Masks
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Movie Reviews of The King of Masks
Movie Review: Great movie, a wonderful story & a social commentary
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a wonderful movie with a straight-forward story line that is well-acted, & serves as a social commentary on China's extreme preference for boys over girls. Even now, this preference is prevalent as it leads to a severe shortage of girls in China! But this little story is told simply: The old master, King of Masks, desperately wants a male heir to pass down his trade secrets, & this desire to have a boy at all cost leads to disaster. The movie has great touches: a visually appealing & authentic town setting in 1930's China, a solid performance by the gap-toothed actor who plays the master, & the acrobatic feats of Doggie, the young girl.
There are a lot of dichotomies in China related to the sexes that are on display in the film. For example, Liang is a popular, highly-revered actor who portrays female characters. One of his famous characters, Guangyin, is a female Buddha who has changed gender from male to female. All this put forth some interesting questions in the movie... Where is the demarcation line between the two sexes? Why is a man who impersonates a woman revered, while the reverse is true for the little girl who dresses up like a boy for survival?
All in all, this is a touching, well-crafted movie that raises some interesting questions about a culture that even today places too much value on one gender.
Movie Review: King of Masks... a great heartwarming film
Summary: 5 Stars
I was surprised to find this movie at a local movie store for 3.00 used. I bought it. WOW. Let me say that this movie was just a great story all together. The story is of the man (KING OF MASKS) and his art is illusion. He wants an heir to pass this to. A grandson if you will. His own son died tragically. So the King of Masks goes on the look for a boy to call his grandson to pass on his art to. He finds one... or so he thinks. It turns out the little boy he bought (Doggie) is really a little girl who has fooled him. But you can tell Doggie didn't want to fool the King of Masks. She began to really love him. When he finds out Doggie is a girl it is heartbreaking to watch him leave her behind only to turn around, get her back, and tell her "never call me grandpa... I am BOSS". She ends up doing some bad bad things (much like children her age often do) but in the end she makes the ultimate sacrifice for the King of Masks and what happens is not only heart warming but also a lesson in itself.
I give this film 5 stars and would give it more if I could. It is a MUST SEE for anyone who loves a tale of adventure and drama but also one of morals and love... BUY IT... YOU WON'T REGRET IT.
Movie Review: Masterpiece of Buddhist Cinema
Summary: 5 Stars
As the King of Masks contemplates his impending demise, he toys with the tools of his art - the colorful masks he used to ply his street performances. "All my life I have played with these," he says. "And now they cannot help me." Lest anyone believe this is not a thoroughly gifted exercise in Buddhist-themed cinema, view the film through the above message and you will discover just how elegant this work becomes. Quite simply magnificent - ranking with "Harp of Burma" and "Why Has Bodidharma Left for the East" as a study in self-discovery and the awakening of compassion. I believe this work's true value has been lost in the lush attraction of its setting; yet, that is not a criticism. Rather, it is a testament to this work's satisfaction on all levels. The performances are without equal, the photography is superb, and direction leaves nothing to be desired. "King of Masks" ranks as one of the finest films I have ever seen. Buy it. You'll find yourself returning again and again.Movie Review: A Visual Treat
Summary: 5 Stars
"The King of Masks" is one of the best films I've seen in years, and I've seen quite a few. I love the fact that the Chinese have discovered what American filmmakers seem to have forgotten: that a good story, well acted and superbly shot, beats the heck out of high-tech special effects any day! This film is magical in its ability to transport you back to 1930's China and make you feel every little joy, every heartache, and the redemption of the human spirit in exquisite detail -- and it does it without blowing anyone or anything up! The actors deliver impassioned performances of a masterful script -- the director keeps the visuals captivating, and in the end, we are better people for having seen and loved this film. My only complaint -- why the Pan and Scan format! Please, please tell me we'll eventually be treated to the widescreen version of this modern masterpiece!Movie Review: Charming, fascinating, heartwarming...
Summary: 5 Stars
This tale is both quaint and universal -- although set in China in the 30s and dealing with exotic Chinese opera arts, the basic story of an old man and a child who grow to love each other has a universality. The story also takes on deeply rooted Chinese sexism (much better now but still there) that regarded girls as vastly inferior to boys. An old man who is the last living person who knows a skill used in classical Chinese opera will not teach the skill to anyone but a son -- and his son died as a child many years ago. He decides to adopt a son, but guess what he ends up with instead?
So the film deals with the old man and the child's relationship. There's a fair amount going on, however, including a kidnapping, so people who complain that foreign films are too slow will not find that problem with this movie.
I highly recommend it.