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Films of Zhang Yimou, 1997.
Analyzes Chinese cinema as portrayed by Zhang Yimou. Looks at political influences - Mao and the Cultural Revolution on the movies. Examines propaganda vs. art, themes, imagery, setting, characters, focusing on director's 1994 film "To Live", using Fanta
4,275 words (approx. 17.1 pages), 6 sources, $ 135.95
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From the Paper
" INTRODUCTION
Zhang Yimou is seen as the leading film director in China today not only because of the quality of his work but because so many of his films have made it to screens in the West. One of his recent works is To Live, released in 1994. This film portrays the mode of life prevailing in China from the 1940s through the era of the Cultural Revolution, and it thus covers the period from the Communist success in the Chinese Revolution to the period when the leadership believed the purity of the revolution was endangered and so was in need of a purging of certain counter-revolutionary elements in Chinese society. Zhang achieves a sense of continuity in his body of work by using similar storylines to explore various themes and by using many of the same actors over and over again, creating the image of a.."
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"Hero" by Zhang Yimou, 2008.
A review of cinematography and martial arts stylization brought forth by director Zhang Yimou in the film, "Hero."
706 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the film, "Hero" directed by Zhang Yimou. It describes the plot structure of the film and discusses the cinematography and martial arts stylization brought forth by Zhang Yimou. The paper concludes that the film offers a high level of martial arts entertainment that rises far above other films that have come forth in this genre in the past decade.
From the Paper
"In conclusion, Hero, by director Zhang Yimou, offers a high level of martial arts entertainment that rises far above other films that have come forth in this genre in the past decade. Although Yimou had not put a great deal of innovation into the normative "assassin's" plot in this genre he invariably provides a deeper visual representation by showing more details and interactive special effects in the fighting scenes. Jet Li and the other martial artists in the film are high caliber martial artists that provide incredibly mythic choreographed acrobatics and fighting scenes that rise far above the competition. Hero is a film that demands more storytelling innovation, but certainly, the martial arts and special effects in the film make greater advances in this style of Asian filmmaking."
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"Raise the Red Lantern", 2002.
The paper provides a review of the 1991 Chinese film "Raise the Red Lantern" by Zhang Yimou and compares and contrasts the 1920s Chinese society depicted in the movie to American society of the same era.
2,290 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 0 sources, APA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes the role of women in turn of the century Chinese culture and reveals the emphasis on ritual and custom in Chinese culture.
The paper looks at the story depicted in the film, which focuses on nineteen-year old Songlian (played by Li Gong), who is cajoled into marrying a wealthy householder to become his fourth wife. It also compares the practice of polygamy and concubines, a religious practice which is alien to the American viewer. The paper examines the difficulties surrounding the film's initial release in China because the film seemed to contain anti-government innuendo.
From the Paper
"It is Zhang Yimou?s choice to use the concubines as windows into this facet of 1920?s Chinese culture. The film is full of reminders of the shocking misogyny ingrained in Chinese culture. An American viewer might initially scorn Chinese culture based on this insight, but a closer analysis reveals striking similarities between Chinese and American societies. Especially in the 1920s, women accepted their subordinate roles in society. Until the year 1920, American women had no say in politics. They did not work nor attend college, unless it meant meeting a man to marry. American family life seems devoid of rituals when compared to the family shown in Raise the Red Lantern, but in fact, American families are indeed structured and ritualized. However, arranged marriage, polygamy, and more brutal mistreatment of women are singular to the Chinese culture depicted in the film."
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"Qui Ju", 2002.
An analysis of the film "Qui Ju", directed Zhang Yimou.
1,485 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
A brief review of the movie, from which the story is adopted from the Chen Yuanbin?s novel ?The Wan Family's Lawsuit?. The name of the film refers to the female lead that is named ?Qui Ju? - a female protagonist who fights her way in search of justice ? with zeal and unending aspiration to get her voice heard.
From the Paper
"Viewers come to know since the beginning, that this movie is about some sort of ?women-power? ? first the mnemonic name and secondly, the opening shot shows Ju and her sister-in-law pushing a cart in which lies her hurt husband. This initial scene puts Ju in the limelight and her husband in a passive role ? not much importance is given to his character in the movie ahead as well (Stone). The dominant role of Ju is further reinforced by showing a submissive sister-in-law ? always ready to do whatever is told to her by Ju. Few words about the plot now - the husband is being taken for an examination to establish amount of damage done to his masculinity after he had a low blow from the village chief. Here, we see strong message of sexual role being propagated through this incident. Ju is worried that the groin injury could leave her husband impotent and this (current) pregnancy could then well be the last one for her ? putting and end to her intimate relationship with her husband."
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Zhang Qian and The Beginnings of the Silk Road, 2002.
A discussion of the second volume in the "Record of the Grand Historian" by Sima Quin on early Chinese history with an emphasis on Zhang Qian, explorers and formation of the Silk Road.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 1 source, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper is a review of the second volume in the "Record of the Grand Historian", the earliest histories of China as recorded by Sima Quin. The focus of the paper is on the foreign policies that surface in the story of Zhang Qian, a separate story of explorers and the early formation of the Silk Road.
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"Diary of a Chinese Diplomat" by Zhang Deyi,, 1994.
This paper is a critical review of the "Diary of a Chinese Diplomat" by Zhang Deyi, 19th Century diplomat who discribes his travels in the U.S..
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, $ 39.95
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From the Paper
"In the book "Diary of a Chinese Diplomat" by Zhang Deyi, the time is the latter portion of the nineteenth century, and the author provides much information about the life of a Chinese diplomat of the period, the attitudes of the Chinese as expressed to and through their diplomatic corps, and the reaction of the Chinese diplomats to the different cultures they encountered as they represented their country in far distant parts of the world. The Chinese diplomat in this case comes to the United States through San Francisco and travels to Washington to meet with Secretary of State Seward, among others, and in this and subsequent meetings with American officials, the diplomat tells of the different requirements placed on a diplomat for filling out papers, getting letters of accreditation, and other details of his work even as he reacts to the new world that has opened ... "
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Life During the Cultural Revolution, 2003.
A discussion on the tragedy of the cultural revolution in China in Chen and Yimou's films.
1,840 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses two films that address, in different ways, the myriad small and large tragedies that were spawned by the cultural revolution in China. The 1998 "Xui Xui", directed by Joan Chen is both a love story and a story of all that was lost for all people in China during the Cultural Revolution. While, Zhang Yimou's film "To Live" tells of the subtler, less intentioned ways in which each family in China was changed by the cultural revolution.
From the Paper
"Tragedy written on a small scale is still tragedy for those whose lives are touched by it. But even as we understand this we are still more compelled to try to understand those tragedies that occur on a large scale. Two films that address in ..."
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Chinese Cinema, 2002.
An analysis of Chinese films.
3,150 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 4 sources, $ 115.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the issues surrounding the fact that critics in the People's Republic of China have attacked the early 1990's films of Zhang Yimou, Chen Daige and other Fifth Generation Chinese filmmakers as "orientalist," claiming they betray China by representing the nation negatively for foreign audiences. The author concludes that this characterization is not just.
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"Raise the Red Lantern", 2002.
An analysis of Yimou Zhang?s 1991 film "Raise the Red Lantern".
1,205 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 0 sources, $ 41.95
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Abstract
Set in 1920s Northern China, "Raise the Red Lantern" is based on the novel "Wives and Concubines" by Su Tong. The paper discusses the story line which focuses on nineteen-year old Songlian, who is cajoled into marrying a wealthy householder to become his fourth wife. Songlian is educated, but she dropped out of college following her father?s death. It discuses one of the primary themes of "Raise the Red Lantern", which is the role of women in Chinese culture.
From the Paper
"The film is laced with dialogue that reveals ingrained misogyny; the concubines unquestioningly accept their roles. Songlian bemoans her fate but feels powerless to change it. The film opens with a close-up shot of Songlian?s face as she speaks to her stepmother off-screen. Songlian?s tearfully resolute visage sets the stage for the remainder of the film, which reveals the belief systems, values, behaviors, and customs of Northern China. Visually and emotionally captivating, Raise the Red Lantern lends insight specifically into the lives of wealthy Chinese concubines, and focuses especially on the role of women in Chinese culture."
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"Raise the Red Lantern", 2008.
An analysis of the tragic fate of Chinese women under the influence of the feudal ideas, as depicted in the film "Raise the Red Lantern".
1,020 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how the 1991 film "Raise the Red Lantern", directed by Zhang Yimou, may be viewed on different levels. It argues that we should view the film as depicting the subjugation and hopeless situation of Chinese women on the one hand; while keeping in mind that this is mirrored by the subjugation of the peasants by the landowners. Both systems of subjugation utilize a system of divide and rule, so that the oppressed aim their anger at each other, not at their oppressors. The paper attempts to show how, in this way, the film is an excellent allegory of the way in which dictatorships succeed, by dividing and ruling the common people.
From the Paper
"This most noticeable feature of this film is that despite the fact that it is shown from the viewpoint of Songlian, the Fourth Mistress, nevertheless it constantly reflects anti-women prejudice, much of it internalized by women themselves. For example, Second Mistress seems at first to be friendly towards Songlian - causing one to question why. However, it is sad to see that when she introduces her little daughter to Songlian, she states: "How useless! I only have a daughter!" This is a brutally destructive remark to make in front of the small girl, and teaches her to expect nothing from her life. It is shameful that this comment should come from someone who is herself a woman, and reflects a deeply sexist society. No wonder that by the time we meet Songlian at the beginning of the film, she is already resigned to being nothing more than a concubine. "
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Women of Vengeance in Asian Film, 2003.
An analysis of three Asian movies, Kurosawa?s "Ran", Yimou?s "Raise the Red Lantern", and Lee?s "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".
874 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This essay compares and contrasts the characters of Lady Kaede in Akira Kurosawa?s ?Ran?), the Second Mistress in Zhang Yimou?s ?Raise the Red Lantern?, and Jade Fox in Ang Lee?s ?Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon?. It explains how their domesticated role is only a facade concealing their inner struggles of grief and inferiority, which manifest in their violent, devastating acts of vengeance.
From the Paper
"Many script writers and directors craftily portray the inequality of gender as the orthodox lifestyle of many Asians and Asian Americans. In Kurosawa?s Ran, Yimou?s Raise the Red Lantern, and Lee?s Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, the directors illustrate Lady Kaede (Ran), the Second Mistress (RTRL), and Jade Fox (CTHD) as suppressed and domesticated Asian females in feudal society, which ultimately, this leads to an outbreak of vengeance that empowers these female characters."
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"Grass Soup", 2002.
An analysis of the political views in "Grass Soup" by Zhang Xianliang.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper will examine the role of a political prisoner in Chinese camp in "Grass Roots" by Zhang Xianliang. By understanding how Zhang's defiance plays a role in the camp, we can see his political ideals coming through in the text.
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Primary Source Exposition, 2005.
An analysis of "Permanent Property" by Zhang Ying.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the work "Permanent Property" by Zhang Ying and delves into the background of the author. In order to understand and understand this work, the paper first looks at the historical period during the during the Qing Dynasty, and then continues to analyze the social and historical significance of the work.
From the Paper
"This piece was written by Zhang Ying, who was a prominent public officer. Ying lived in the fertile and productive area of Anhui province, during the Qing Dynasty. To examine this piece of writing, we must first look at the historical time, and then examine the social and historical significance of the passage. This will enable us to fully appreciate the significance of the writing of Zhang Ying. The historical period was the Qing Dynasty, 1644-1911. This was an especially interesting time in Chinese history."
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Doing Business with China, 2006.
This paper examines "Big Dragon China's Future: What it Means for Business, the Economy, and the Global Order" by Daniel Burstein and Arne de Keijzer who both contend that China is well on its way to becoming the world's largest economy.
2,496 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews Burstein and de Keijzer's "Big Dragon China's Future: What it Means for Business, the Economy, and the Global Order" in which both authors predict that by the 2030s China will be the world's largest economy. This paper discusses the various companies that have suffered due to the shifting politics of foreign policy between China being in favor one day and out the next. This paper also details the views of Jeffrey Garten, a writer for "Harvard Business Review" who sees China as enticement for foreign investors, yet stresses caution should be used in developing any business relationship with China. This well-written paper covers several areas regarding China's economy including a U.S. initiative supporting China's membership in the World Trade Organization, expansion of U.S. public-private partnerships to invest and help solve particular problems in China and development of China's policy mutually with U.S. allies. "Big Dragon" profiles many individual Chinese entrepreneurs and others who are bringing a new China into being. This paper also focuses on Zhang Wei, one of China's more successful entrepreneurs, who went from government researcher to heading a company employing 400 in only three years. Despite the differences between practices in China and other countries, many corporations are willing to take a big gamble on China, seeing that their future is dependent on their performance in China.
From the Paper
"Over the course of his history, Zhang has captured the essence of the Chinese business world of "catch-as-catch-can". His corporation has various types of holdings, often-different one from the other. Zhang has bridged the gap across the Pacific with the United States with his position of "master franchise holder in China" of an American company, Fun World. What makes this situation particularly unique is that it is one of the first companies in China "to buy an interest in a U.S. company." At the time Big Dragon was written, Zhang was "negotiating an arrangement that would shift manufacturing of all the equipment for the centers to China." Zhang hopes to take the U.S. company over altogether, including the export of the concept to "other countries and selling the franchisees Chinese-made equipment." Zhang has encountered some problems along the way, problems that are compounded by China's culture and lack of laws, which govern specific business issues. One is that franchisees have stolen the company name and have opened their own centers."
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Taiji Shadow Boxing, 2003.
This paper discusses the basic ideas of Daoism as reflected in the physical practice of taiji shadow boxing.
1,500 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, as a complementary philosophy to Confucianism, Daoism, which enriches in every way the spiritual and intellectual life of Chinese people, is reflected in the Chinese martial art of taiji shadow boxing. The author points out that taiji boxing, was invented by a Daoist called Zhang Sanfeng in the Ming dynasty on the Wudang Mountain; the name "taiji", which means "the supreme ultimate", itself suggests an essential concept of Daoist cosmology. The paper stresses that, if the forces of the western boxing are like a hard and straight oak tree, the movement of Taiji boxing is more like that of soft reed or bamboo, which knows how to move, how to yield, so it can survive a strong wind; whereas, the oak tree will probably be broken down. Many quotations from the writings of the founders of Daoism, Laozi and Zhuangzi. Symbol included.
Table of Contents
A Brief Introduction to Daoism
The Dao Reflected in the Taiji Boxing
The Name and the Diagram
The Value of Gentleness
The Non-Action
The Dialectics in Taiji Boxing
A Way of Getting Close to the Dao
From the Paper
"Knowing the power of softness, Taiji practitioners learn to yield to the opponent, become even in harmony with the attacker so as to use the strength of the attacker himself. The soft movement of Taiji will control the force not by resist to it but by swinging with it, leading the force to its extreme, transforming it to its natural opposite side again. You can see it clearer in the diagram. When there's a strong positive Yang power coming from one side, the natural way is not to confront it with another Yang force, instead, you guide the force by using the negative Yin force. In this way, there will be no more conflict, the inner harmony is regained. the "non-action" is another important element of Daoism."
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