Together
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Movie Reviews of Together
Movie Review: A Successful Marriage of Music and Film
Summary: 5 Stars
Director and writer Kaige Chen ("Farewell, My Concubine", "The Emperor and the Assassin" among others)has again successfully created a film uniquely uniting the visual with the spoken word with music. TOGETHER is a tender story that can be viewed from many vantages - the contemporary social climate in China, the profound impact of selfless love, the quantum difference between music that is technically perfect vs music that is from the heart and soul of the performer, the struggle for existance in the big city for the poor citizens visiting from the provinces, the awakening rattle of puberty in a guileless child. Liu Cheng (in a beautifully realize performance by Peiqi Liu ) is the 'father' of a gifted young violinist Liu Xiaochun (realistically acted by young violinist Yun Tang ) and when it becomes apparent that the child has won all the local prizes for his musicianship that his little town in Southern China affords, the father saves money and moves to Beijing for advanced studies. One professor (Zhiwen Wang ) lives the life of the bohemian, as interested in his home for feral cats as he is in hearing his pupil learn. The gift he provides is to emphasize that Liu Xiaochun always play from the heart. The next professor (played with great tenderness by director Kaige Chen ) guides him up to the point of winning a National Competition, a goal which obviously will satisfy everyone concerned - except Lin Xiaochun, who has gently fallen in love with the waif Lili (the gorgeous Hong Chen, wife of the film's Director). When it is discovered that Lin Xiaochun's father is returning to his home in the provinces - his work and dream accomplished - the son slowly discovers that his 'father' was simply a man who saved the unwanted child from a bench near a violin, and that knowledge that one man could love him that much to make a life for him changes the course of the action and...See the film.
Throughout this visually stunning production (the southern province looks like an Asian Venice)the background music is all violin solos and concerti and while the actors actually play on the screen (the best I've ever seen), the score was recorded with the gifted Chinese violinist Li Chuan Yun providing exquisite technique and passion after the filming was completed.
The technique of using black and white flashback sequences to tell the real relationship between father and son is subtle and in keeping with the tone of the film. In all, a simple tale that may be unlike the epics of this Director, but with all the warmth and honesty his other major films also contained. A very well made, fine little film.
Movie Review: The Head and the Heart
Summary: 5 Stars
Together is a beautifully realized coming-of-age tale that explores the contradictory tugs of talent, home, and family.
Thirteen year old Xiaochun (Tang Yun) is a violin prodigy from the countryside who gets invited to compete in Beijing. His naïve but ambitious father moves the two of them to the big city, where they quickly realize it's as much about who you know as how good you are. Xiaochun is a beguiling mix of wised up street kid and romantic artist. He berates his violin teacher for his sloppiness and indifference, but stays loyal to him even after his father forces him to transfer to a better connected teacher.
He finds a friend in Lili (Chen Hong), a young woman on the make who turns out to be more big-hearted than shrewd. Determined to demonstrate his devotion to Lili, Xiaochun makes a generous but personally disastrous gesture. All of the main characters end up dealing with the consequences of choosing between their rational self interest and the prompting of their hearts. Their actions have a larger resonance because the story plays out against the backdrop of the cultural upheaval caused by China's move towards capitalism.
Director Chen Kaige, who scored big with Farewell My Concubine, elicts marvelous, emotionally honest performances from his actors. In particular, some of the scenes between Xiaochun and his father will have you groping for the Kleenex box. Together manages to be both clear-eyed and warm-hearted, and is filled with small moments that reveal big truths about the choices people have to make. Highly recommended.
Movie Review: Meanings on many levels!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an excellent movie, and has meanings on many levels.
First, there is the loving relationship between the father and the son. He, a peasant, moves to Beijing, knowing no one, completely unaccustomed to living in a large city, struggling to find work, missing his home.
Then, there is the love of so many Chinese for things western. Not just in music, which is the focus of this movie, but in appliances, clothes, malls, the drive for success, etc. The Chinese are not all that different from us.
On another level there is the rebelliousness and naivety of the youngster. He may be a musical genius, but in other matters he is just a 14 year old, acting impulsively, doing stupid things at times, and forming unconventional relationships.
Then there is the relationship the boy has with his teachers. One of them appears not too far from his peasant roots but the other one is cosmopolitan, with a degree of renown. They both feel a certain love for the boy, as does everyone whom he meets.
Beijing is a modern city, but like any other city, including those in America, there are pockets of poverty. But it is a large, busy, vibrant city, with room for everyone.
The main focus of the plot is the boy and his virtuosity. Nature or nurture? Apparently, some people are born with a special talent.
This is a very enjoyable movie, and has a lot to say. All of the actors are perfectly cast, and almost everything about the movie is credible.
Movie Review: The Power of Real Music
Summary: 5 Stars
In this day and age of 'sampled', 'pre-arranged', and 'borrowed' music, AND 'canned performances', it is easy to forget about the powerful, emotional immediacy of real, live musical performances acheived by accomplished artists. This older musical realm is quickly being forgotten, in the MTV generation, and, sadly, can now only usually be found in the halls of jazz, blues, and classical music. That said, the emotional power of the performances in this film should not surprise viewers. It is a very visceral, emotional experience because 'real' music is visceral and emotional. And what better way to purvey that power than through the performances of real, accomplished musicians, operating at the peak of their art? This is a glimpse into a world (that of young, talented musicians) that most of us (excluding this reviewer, thank you!) have no knowledge of. As a matter of fact, few persons who are not musicians can appreciate the real, emotional ties that exists between the musician, his chosen instrument, and the music. This movie builds a rather solid story, (about a boy, his father and their ambitions to find the true meaning of their relationship) against a background even more profound, and larger than any of them: the love and, ultimately, the power of the music. It shapes, defines, and clarifies their lives, and, eventually, helps them to determine what they mean to each other. I applaude this as an excellent film, both as a musician, a writer and story-teller, and most importantly, as a human being.Movie Review: A Great Family Values Movie
Summary: 5 Stars
The secret in this movie is not made known until very near the end. But, in the end, it changes nothing, except that it increases one's respect for Xisochun's dad. He reminds me very much of the father in the movie 'Smile.' Xisochun is an adopted child, a foundling. Throughout most of the movie, we think his father is just a doting father, trying to get the best advantages for his talented son. Knowing that Xisochun is a foundling, I believe, increases one's admiration for this father. Everything about this little family is a good example of traditional family values, except that the mother walked out years before (as she did in 'Smile' as well). Still, this is one reason every family should see this great movie because it shows a self-sacrificing father trying to do the best for his son. In the end, it comes down to a choice between pursuing success at the expense of family, or putting family ahead of success. Parents might wish to discuss with their children what the proper balance would be - isn't it possible to maintain both family and success? If so, how? Adoptive parents, especially, will like this movie; but, it is a wonderful movie for anyone.
[For another unforgettable movie about the undying love of a mother for a foundling in 1800's South Africa, be sure to see 'Fiela's Child,' also available through Amazon.com.]