Please post your response as a comment to this post after watching the film at the screenings. Due Monday by 8 pm. Please also comment on at least two other responses by 10 pm.
Your response should not be unprocessed notes. It can be a combination of a screening report and a critical essay, as suggested by our textbook. You may want to use the first paragraph to report on your viewing experience and focus on any particular scenes, and use the second paragraph to reflect and critique the film in the context of historical and contemporary China and world filmmaking after reading the two pieces required for Tuesday uploaded under Course Content Week 3 on Blackboard.
Bellow are some sample questions for you to choose to focus on in your responses; feel free to follow your own observations and to raise your own questions.
1. What are the historical periods covered in the film? Why do you think a film made in the mid 1960s would venture back to the 1930s? How does Shaoxing opera function as a metaphor for the lives of the actresses on and off stage?
2. How are gender, class, and the nation integrated in this film highlighting female protagonists?
3. Can you detect influences from the Hollywood, Soviet, and indigenous Chinese traditions in this film made during the broadly-defined Cultural Revolution period?
Make sure to cite sources when writing. Use exact minute to identify a scene such as (Stage Sisters, 10:05) and page number to cite a quote such as (Zhang, 215) to provide evidence for your argument.
The film connect the social stage and drama stage, with a big topic in this film. The “Stage sister” tell us a lot of bad impact in the contemporary China. In this film, Chunhua Zhu and Yuehong Xing are the closest sister. At the beginning, Chunhua Zhu was forced by two bad guys to the troupe, Yuehong Xing felt poor to her, and asked the troupe saved her to live with them. Master Xing helped Chunhua study drama with him, finnally, no matter where they tried to perform the drama, it could always being popular. There is a spot in this film showed that when they were going to Shaoxing, the local landlord despot San Ni feel satisfied with Yuehong, but the troupe against with him, there was no successful, and San let the local police inflict corrupt morals to them and Master Xing was received a mortal wound in his body and finally died. In my opinion, i can feel serious stratum discrimination in the contemporary China in this movie. And this movie presents a mainly idea” in the old China, the old society rule and the illegal aspects of China who were cruel to the art and artists. And we can see some bad aspects of China in another way, the police and the justice what we sad in ancient china did not exist. The police in contemporary China did not have any sympathy and they bent the law for the personal gain.
ReplyDeleteThis movie mainly use the stage sister describes the conflict between the sister and show us how this movie developed and changed. Using a movie way to describe the love between rank and sister. As the movie shows, before master Xing died, he told them be careful with the drama and the people, do not go downhill during the society. Chunhua Zhu always followed his teacher’s instruction, but Yuehong Xing did not. And there are a lot of conflict between the sister. From the beginning with Yuehong Xing followed with the Tang manager, he felt very happy they can earned so much money for him and let Yuehong Xing more popular, Yuehong Xing always hate her friends and look down them. There is a conflict between the sister, the difference between Yuehong and Chunhua. And there is an accident shows that the elder “queen of the shaoxing opera” Shuihua Shang was replaced by Yuehong, she killed herself. In another angel to see this scene, there is a big difference between the sister, Yuehong are always simple and kind hearted.
With the story in this film developed, the conflict between the sister were much more obvious, Chunhua Xing know how bad the manager Tang was and argue with Yuehong many times, finally, the relation between the sister were broken. After that, Chunhua connect lots of sisters in the shaoxing opera, prepare to show the drama ”ZhuFu” which adapted from a novel written by Xun Lu. The manager Tang wants to destroy this, he was in collusion with the kuomingtang tried to disfigure Chunhua. And after that, manager Tang wants Yuehua to admit that she point out this thing, try change the political persecution into the conflict between sisters. Chunhua expose the plot on the court, Yuehong felt faint.
Finally, the movie shows that China was emancipated, and Chunhua found Yuehong during a show in the countryside and tried to saved her and at the end of the movie, they were reconciled. At this spot, we can finf the most obvious conflict between sisters and there was a little art in this movie that the natural scene and local music help to improve the characteristic of nation and era.
I was impressed by this sentence"the police and the justice what we sad(I guess it's saw?) in ancient china did not exist."
DeleteBecause of the useless ruling class, the justice for the labor people are not exist any more. The power is the rule. So that's the origin of the painful of the sisters.
Yep, it should be "saw" right there, but i can not change. And the contemporary China politics was very unfair and there was much stress and persecution in ancient China
DeleteI think this review is pretty good.Because there is a viewpoint,"In my opinion, i can feel serious stratum discrimination in the contemporary China in this movie. And this movie presents a mainly idea” in the old China, the old society rule and the illegal aspects of China who were cruel to the art and artists. And we can see some bad aspects of China ",which is originality and penetrating.Through this perspective has helped me understand that the current people have different view for people and society of ancient china.
DeleteThis response seems very in-depth. I was also very struck by how different the sisters turned out, but forgot about the fact that one was following the instruction of their late teacher, whereas the other did not.
Delete“Stage sisters” has two central ideas: “stage” and “sisters”. In this movie, “Stage” represents the important occupation, which calls Shaoxing opera. “Sisters” talks about the processes of close-split-close between Chunhua Zhu and Yuehong Xing. Dividing this movie into three parts, the first part introduces how these two sisters meet. Chunhua is a child bride, but she gets away from her suitor’s family. With the help of Yuehong and her father, she avoids the arrest of suitor’s family and becomes a member of theatrical troupe. Everything is so good until Yuehong’s father die. Then the movie enters the second part, under the pressure of life, Chuanhua and Yuehong come to sing in Shanghai. These two sisters are quickly well liked with good performances, but they also become a money tree of Tang, who is the Shanghai opera theater manager. Even through these two girls become famous, Chunhua still remember to remain down to earth. But Yuehong is sick of singing opera, and she becomes a mistress of Tang regardless of Chunhua’s persuade. At that time, there is a fissure between these two sisters. In the last part of movie, A’Xin assaults Chunhua under instigate of Tang, and then files a lawsuit against Chunhua. With the shelter of judges, Tang wants to coerce Yuehong to testify against Chunhua, but at the crucial moment in the courtroom, Yuehong faints. Yuehong realizes her mistake and leave Shanghai. At last, Chunhua finds her, and restores good relations again.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good movie, which presents the thoughts of people at that time period. It was made in 1964, which was the beginning of Cultural Revolution, and had a good reception when it was first screened. But it was heavily attacked during the Cultural Revolution. This movie covers the historical period from 1935 to 1950, which is the “Golden Age” in Chinese cinema: the prewar and the postwar. Author wants to use this “venture back” to hint the backward motion of Chinese cinema. In the movie, Chunhua and Yuehong ware sold to Tang by the head of the troupe, A’Xin. Shang Shuihua is forsaken by Tang, and commits suicide by hanging herself backstage. We can easily find women have less power and they can’t decide their lives at that time. They also represent the bottom level of society who wants to fight with capitalist. Collusion between government and wealthy was also a social phenomenon at that period. A rich provincial landlord Ni can ask Kuomintang cops forcibly seize Yuehong one day, and arrested and tied to a pillar for days as “public humiliation” which is purely fictitious slander. When Chunhua wants to perform Lu Xun’s “ The New Year Sacrifice”, the KMT regime gives Tang the task to ruin Chanhua’s reputation. The KMT pushed its own agendas of nationalism in film circles by way of regulation and censorship. It reinforced the KMT policies by controlling the ideological content of domestic films and curtailing the leftist agendas (Zhang, 62).
After reading the Chinese Film Cinema, I have two more things to say. Firstly, "Stage Sisters" is a representative work of socialist realism. Secondly, this movie resembles a Hollywood melodrama in terms of its representation of female sexuality.
DeleteThis is a great synopsis into the context of this film and also its social implications. It is interesting how strong of a character Chunchua is in this film, and it was painful at parts to watch her struggle against Tiang's power. Conversely, Yuehong, who was presented as the less rebellious of the two sisters, seemed to almost "give in" to Tiang's desire to control every aspect of the opera by marrying him. This too was painful to watch and truly illustrated the fact that women were not as powerful as men during this time period.
DeleteYou've raised some interesting points. I like how you broke down the meaning of the title so thoroughly.
DeleteThis is a wonderful explanation of the film in its entirety. The points about Chinese history brought in really brought meaning to your argument.
DeleteStage Sisters the film shows us the Chinese old age as a "class" concept. In 1935, in order to avoid catching the heroine zhu fled into a local troupe, by the troupe and shelter, from the troupe began three-year training. Three years later, once the show. Troupe due to offend Mr.Ni San, had to leave this place. In winter, the troupe owner was on board frozen to death. Zhu and Xing to the troupe owner to raise money for funeral, after the introduction of A Xin, went to Shanghai opera, from the beginning of the stage of life in Shanghai. After 1941, the third year, Zhu and Xing received their first paycheck. Zhu in Shanghai's growing reputation, Xing married manager Tang. Empress Shang Yue committed suicide because of sad, Zhu requires Tang responsible. Subsequently, Zhu due to perform "Blessing" this repertoire and were welcomed. A Xin and Tang tried to ruin Zhu's eyes. In court, Zhu Xing's sister has been framed as to make excuse, Xing collapsed in the courtroom. After the liberation of Zhu everywhere performances, then saw Xing, sisters and good as ever.
ReplyDeleteFrom this movie in old age China have a basic understanding of the concept. First, we know that in China the old society, women's status is not as high as men's status, so have dodge bad guys story Zhu fled into the troupe since the beginning of this. In 1935, many women will be sold into a wealthy family to do a child bride; this is a common phenomenon in China that era. This fully shows that in 1935 China, the concept of human rights is not popular, but we also can learn Chinese economic backwardness of that era, people thought pedantic, would lead to the generation of numerous tragedies. The second point, we can know, at that time the Chinese, the child's identity is not high drama, the drama troupe as a result of leaving offended local dignitaries, this can tell us, in that era drama performances merely seek a life kind of way, and will not bring respect. In the latter part of the movie, when Mother Shen on Zhu said an angry word "actress", we can know that the wealthy do not respect for the actor. From this film, we can see that people in different periods and different stages of change, this also shows that life is like a drama, drama is like life.
I have the same standpoint with you, women had a lower status than men. And you can give some examples in this movie to explain why you have this thought.
DeleteCause women are the lower class than the men, the unhappiness can be reflected more powerful and touching. So I guess that is why Xiejin would like to focus on the females' stories. In this movie, the powerful and rich men can decided the lives of the women,like Boss Tang, which can be an example for the painful of the women's lives.
DeleteI agree your viewpoint, especially the last sentence: life is like drama, drama is like life. Female was at a low social class， the man with high right can easily change some poor females' lives.
Deleteyou have a great point of view, women's lives are a lot harder than men's, and we should respect them. however, that time period of China shown in the movie was pretty unstable, so everything could happen. women's status is becoming higher now.
DeleteThe movie "Stage Sisters" mainly described the story of two different Shaoxing Opera actresses in the period of 1930s-19040s in China. Chunhua was saved by Yuehong's father when she was caught to be the wife of other people, then Chunhua became the Shaoxing Opera actress, same as Yuehong. However, they were persecuted by Nisan, the owner of the organization also dead, and the sisters became popular in Shanghai. As they got popular, Yuehong seems to choose another way, she got married with the boss of the Cinema. Actually, it was not the beginning of happiness, it is just the start of painful. Chunhua was abused by Yuehong's husband, and he even claimed Yuehong did everything. Finally, Yuehong recognized the real face of her husband. She came back to the stage and performed with Chunhua again.
ReplyDeleteAs the forth generation, Xiejin is famous for his focus on the females' lives. In that period, the females cannot decide their own lives, which reflected the sorrow, painful and unavoidably in the river of the whole history. The opera in the film(stage sisters, example: the beginning, 13:22) appeared in the whole progress of the movie, which reflect the life track of the two women. There is a saying in Chinese is that" life is like a stage." However, the real life is more overstate than the stage at that time. The movie is filmed in the year of 1965, which nears the period of culture revolution. It is impressive for me is that the films in that period seems to hold the same opinion, that is, the rich people are always the bad,negative part in the film, and the labors, are always the positive, kindness and brave. In my opinion, it may because of the cultural influence. But Chinese films still have a long way to go , as Zhang referred in his article, in that period, "direct emotional impact and immense popular appeal."(Zhang, 59)
I agree with you that, in this film that year, China is in a turbulent era. So many films are strongly manifested class contrast. Such as the corruption of capitalism, and socialism is ok. The film by the impact of that era, but also for us the performance of such a theme. But with the development of the times, constantly changing people's minds, if the contemporary human mind to shoot a movie about the class contrast, may differ from that era with the shooting of the film is different.
DeleteThe film named ‘stage sisters’ is a Chinese movie, directed by Xie Jin and showed in 1965s. It mainly talks about the Yue opera actresses Chunhua Zhu and Yuehong Xing acted in Shaoxing and they suffered from the malign local forces. Xing’s father died after this winter and told Zhu and Xing to act seriously and respected themselves. After 3 years, they were known to every household and really successful in Shanghai. Zhu acted conscientiously and respected herself. However, Xing forget her father’s dying words and became vanity, got married to manger Tang, who is the boss of the theatre. Under the order of the manger Tang, the relationship between them broke. Xing suffered variety of insults from manger Tang and came to realize the truth. They became better and acted ‘Rendezvous’ again in the stage finally.
ReplyDeleteThe historical period covered in the film is 1930s. During that time, China faced to a really difficult time. The Communist Party not only needs to defeat Japan but also need to solve the problems with the Kuomintang. The film was showed in 1960s which was also a really difficult time in China. Outside, Russia changed the policy, refused to help China and forced to return the money back. Inside, the masses throughout the country due to lack of food, malnutrition, occur quite commonly edema disease, economic giant decline, in 1960 the total population by about 10 million. Although China faced to so many problems we also can withstand any attack and nirvana rebirth. The actresses only can exist if they were famous on the stage. If not, they were nothing.
From this film, we can learn that, the female during 1930s, they were at a really low social class, only if they followed with someone who was rich or had high right. The film showed us the beginning of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution in China. It not only connected the stage act in opera and being a human but also connected the stage and the social. It describes the disposition conflict and the sorrows and joys of partings and meetings between the two sisters. This film dogs out the changing and the developing of human’s mind, contains the philosophy of life. It showed us the darkness of society, sinister and different classes of different people in social. Government colluded with the rich and called white black and black white. We can learn these from the beginning and mid-term in this film. When they acted in Shaoxing, the local landlord wanted Xing stay and slept with her, her father refused and wanted to run away. After this, the second day, the police came to find them and Zhu was instead of Xing to accept the punishment that hang out and showed in public. In the end of the film, the class of female promoted. When they were in the court of justice, Zhu talked anything about how Xing suffered from the manger Tang and manger Tang instigated people behind. The judge listened to it and accepted it.
‘Stage sister’ was acted and showed in a golden age in China and really successful. It make people thinks a lot about that time in China and now in China. Chinese film still is immature and has a long way to walk. I believe it can show extraordinary talents in the future.
I agree with your point of view, in this film, the reaction of China at that time the dark side. Part of class struggle on the movie to get a strong interpretation. However, I do not really like these kind of movies, because this kind of film was a social and age restrictions, can not be fully demonstrated China was the real side. For example, we can see that in the movie each individual reaction capitalism are bad, I think, if these kind of movies on today's society, it may slightly unreal.
DeleteNot sure what you mean by "Chinese film still is immature and has a long way to walk." Immature in what ways? And what do you mean by "showed in a golden age in China." The movie was released in 1964, is that the "golden age" of China? I do however agree that it makes people think a lot about how society was back in the days when inequality and corruption were big issues, and probably still is.
DeleteNowadays, many films that full of Chinese elements are not directed by Chinese, like The 'Forbidden Kingdom', 'Kung Fu Panda'. These films are really good and when i watch these films, i thought the directer must be Chinese cuz they know a lot about China, but they are not. There are lots of genius Chinese directors and i believe they could do better It is our own culture. This movie is produced in 1965s but it was blocked because of the Great Cultural Revolution. During that time, not many can watch this film. The 'golden age' i mean is the time after the Great Cultural Revolution, people started to accept new things, includes the films, and the 'stage sister' is really a good movie.
DeleteI agree this point of view, "Chinese film still is immature and has a long way to walk. I believe it can show extraordinary talents in the future.",which is important on a lot of people's mind.But there are a little of people to made some action.
DeleteChinese film "Stage Sisters" is about the early 1940s, opera artist Zhu Chunhua and Xing Yuehong act opera in Shaoxing , then they are persecution by the local forces. Xing master of deathbed asked them to earnest singing, and to be a pure personhoods.Three years later, Chunhua and Yuehong made famous on Shanghai. Chunhua is respect herself and seriously act opera. But YueHong is vanity, and married the theater owner Mr.Tang. After that Chunhua prepare to perform "blessing”, which is Lu Xun’s work. However, reactionary forces that propaganda Communist information. So Mr. Tang instigate people to throw lime for Chunhua, want to disfigured her, and calumniate Yuehong who is a mastermind. YueHong suffered all sorts of abuse by Mr. Tang, nonetheless her finally awakening. Sisters meet again on the stage, and both sing "Rendezvous".
ReplyDeleteDue to a while ago just finished reading "Farewell My Concubine”, then to see this "Stage Sisters", I will go to compare the two films
The film is really beautiful, if you say it is film in the 90’s, I believe also. The "Sisters" ,in the film, Chunhua and Yuehong, one of sing Sheng and one of Dan, such as yin and yang. By the way, Let me to reminds Duan xiaolou and Chen dieyi in "Farewell My Concubine". However, the film played to the back, Yuehong to give up singing, out troupe, and go on the other way. Yet Chunhua reveal stronger character on every way, in the last film, victory or defeat is very obvious, but Chunhua also generous attempts to rescue Xuedong. It follows that on the stage and below the stage, character like upside down. it can be said that the movie connect organically film small stage with social huge stage, singing on stage and as being a person below stage. In other words, using "common man on stage joys and sorrows, who knows there is another “stage” below this small stage", the philosophical significance serious issue, vividly depicts the old society occurred in the" big stage of life on the tragedy”, and the old social system and the dark forces of the arts and artists mutilation
After this film, Chunhua Zhu and Yuehong Xing stand together, within a sight to the forward, the revolution inspire them but this scene seems so confused to us, to be truth, I think the whole film just tell us how the China revolution is good instead of the contemporary China is so bad. The reason why this film looks so good is that the relationship between the character is good, and the conflict between the clue of this film are good.
The trope in the broken cause the revolution in China, as the old script of this movie is so good, but cause the revolution of China, this movie can only show how the revolution in China is good. And the Xiaolou Duan with Dieyi Cheng were studying hard with their master, but within the stage passed, rebuked the apprentice is fault. So can we adapt to this?
The trope in the “Stage Sister” are also stressed by the old society, so the revolution in China gave them the second chance, they have their own stage, Free to singing. From this perspective, the revolution is the praise, but also indeed changed their original oppressed life.
Although there are actors, but there are some different between men and women in ancient china. Yuhong and Chunhua, they choose the extreme of the road in the old society, one live with moral integrity,and adhere to the artistic career, another one see through the true society, married into wealthy then enjoy life. To the closing film, Yuehong is repented and return to act opera with the revolutionary drama troupe, and who says there must be two roads to have the faultisit? If the revolution doesn’t come, Yue hong defiantly would have the high class live in social. Chun hua could try her best to against the darkness of society. If the revolution doesn’t come, how could Chun hua continue to head to walk? If they didn’t get that lawsuit, will Yue hong really acknowledge a mistake?
This film, here is how let a person consider.
It is very perfect that the revolution in ancient China was everywhere and there were too much changed in contemporary China, and it could not show the real event during that period.
DeleteThrough your viewpoint, i got another point. You connect the film with the social context at that time and describe to us. I can easily imagine social status.
DeleteAfter watching the film after I was very shocked I did not expect to that 60s film can be so interesting. Movie.
ReplyDeleteThe film reflects a very unique period, 1930s in China. It is a very special period in China, the history of humiliation. Japan invaded China; the whole country faces a subjugation and genocide time. The film maker in the mid-1960s would back to this special history because the whole china is going through a huge change. Japanese try to conquer the whole China while the Chinese young are looking for a new path for this country. The whole counters fate is unknown. Many people become homeless because of this war. Shaoxing opera like China, the death lead to change-- the sister’s father's death changed their lives. They have to bid farewell to the old way of life toward finding new life.
Most of people in this film are female. Which impressed me most were the sisters, Shanghai’s wealth woman and the suicide old woman. They also represent a different class, sisters represent the bottom of the toiling masses because of war and unrest forced them to leave their homeland to seek out life. Their position can be said to be very humble and low. However, the wealth Shanghai woman represents the upper class in China. They rich and powerful, the suffering of ordinary people are none of their business. The Materialistic life impact a lot of people. Some people can stick to their own, and some people began to fall. Flowers in a time of distress become stronger, firm; YueHong but cannot resist the temptation of big Shanghai Vanity Fair, vanity, jealousy and Business occupied her heart. Mr.Tang use Conspiracy break sisters become stranger. Finally, I want to talk about the suicide "Shan shui" flower. She once was a big people in Shanghai. But later because of age getting older being abandoned, in fact sighted people can look out, it was a symbol of poor people cannot be changed their own destiny. They just the toy of wealth people, when they get tired from the wealth, the abandon is the only destine.
I feel deeply the impact of the Soviet Union, because this film has a political metaphor, underground female news reporter Jiang Bo help the sister, show that era in the domestic film must be some sort of political correctness, or basically cannot be released. Two from the performance after the release, the film was then domestic misunderstanding, because there was such a political atmosphere determines the maverick film cannot be introduced to the audience. After 10 years. This film was accepted by people, and xie jing become a successful director.
I agree with your point of view, and I appreciate your understanding of different class women. In China, there are still many women in order to live a better life to marry someone they don't like.This is very sad for them!
DeleteI agree that the different women represent different class, but I also think that Shang Shuihua, the woman who committed suicide, also foreshadows what could've happened Yuehong if she did not marry Manager Tong. He would've dumped her eventually as Yuehong grows older and becomes less attractive to him, and ultimately end up like Shang Shuihua; miserable and lonely. But who knows, maybe this will happen anyways if Manager Tong was still around, because she is only his "mistress" and can easily get more women.
DeleteI agree with your some views,but most noteworthy is the the women can not get the respect they deserve, and these women are actually silent victims who are denied desire and expression,They are the ruled.You just find the queen of Yuejue's dead,but you not find the oppression on the women,and point out the society need accountable this.Beacuse they are during the special period.
DeleteI do not know why Chinese old films are so attractive, Compare with some Chinese commercial films which rely on packaging and superstars, the old films have a really good story. For me, "Stage Sisters" like a green tea is worth people to taste.
ReplyDelete1930-1950 era China is in the Anti-Japanese War. The film has a strong sense of the times because it is a good reflection of that era tragic life of poor people. For example, Zhu Chunhua introduced in the identity of a child bride, she was unable to bear her husband's family fled to a Shaoxin opera, and she was found and is a singer. All these show low status of poor people, especially women. In addition to the first half of the film, I remember one girl was attracted by her performance, she bought the water to Chunhua when Chunhua by the criminal law. These are also reflected even in harsh environments, the majority of people still retain their good honest character. Although the description of the film's story from 1930 to 1950, I can still be seen through detailed descriptions movie was filmed in 1960 this environment. China during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s, government took control of the people in word and deed, the final stages of the female party members well illustrates this point.
Another group of Chunhua through the hero's class identity and better reflects the different 1930-1950's class position determines the fate of people. She is no human rights. An indentured her fate from a child bride became actors. Even so, the actors in that era are under no social status. For example, the film's sworn sisters live with Chunhua, .Chunhua good sister --Yuehong was publicly molested, was judge to a three-day public display by the criminal law.
Finally, I think this movie is very combination of Hollywood filming techniques and Shaoxin opera arts. I watched a famous film Les Miserable last year; two films are used to describe the way through the comic hero's life. However, one is the use of Western musical and another is the use of the form of the Chinese opera I cannot help but think of the famous sentence "life is like drama, drama is like life".
I totally agree with your idea that government took control of the people in word and deed, the final stages of the female party members well illustrates this point.. this film worth we all watch it again and again,but for the reason we all know, the film was delayed 10 years to be famous. China can make really good unmainstream film but we have no chance to watch them,which also a lose for Chinese film industry.
Delete“Two Stage Sister” is a movie that focuses on a Yue opera actress, Chunhua, and how she uses her moral believes and determination, not only to survive, but to change a corrupted society. The movie was set in 1930s, and as the movie shows, it was extremely corrupted; you can tell by when Yuehong was almost captured by the police because they were under the influenced of the high roller that was interested in Yuehong. If you were a male and had money, it pretty much means that you had power. A lot of the conflicts of the movie revolve around the two sworn sisters, and their different decisions to things ultimately drift them apart as a family. They both understand that as females, they are living under the influences of males because they are the superior gender at the time. Chunhua is a strong independent woman who will not back down from things that she believes in, and she certainly did not believe in inequality. She often shows that by arguing and back-talking against A’Xin and Manager Tong. On the other hand, after the death of teacher Xing and her rise to fame, Yuehong becomes materialistic, and accepts her role in the society as a powerless woman. You can see that she is often wearing nice clothes and more make-up than before she was famous in the later scenes. She decides to marry Manager Tong because she is tired of “being an actress”, but in reality she just want to settle down with someone who is rich and powerful. She knows the he is interested in her because she is young and pretty, but her beauty will fade as she grows old so she seizes the opportunity to have a stable life, even though there is no love between them.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Chunhua is an independent woman, she understands that one person’s influence will never be enough, and she deeply values the relationships with the other members of the troupe, who are mostly females and look up to her. After Chuahua tells Yuehong that they are “no longer sisters”, Chunhua befriends with a female journalist named Jiang, who replaces Yuehong in a way as Chunhua’s sister. After Shang Shuihua committed suicide, they two of them bonded because they both think that the society needs to change and the only way that it is going to happen is if they act. In the end, Chunhua was able to overcome her obstacles; she has her own opera troupe and continues to deliver her message to audiences through her performances. I imagine her message lies somewhere along the line of “stand up for what you believe in” and it shows that her message is accepted and influential by the audiences’ reaction. She also reconcile with Yuehong because she knows that deep down, Yuehong is a kind-hearted person who made the wrong choices under the influences of the society. Yuehong represents the women in the society who were afraid, and out of fear and struggles, when the opportunity presents itself in which she is able to live a stable life, she takes it even though it is not what she wanted. Many women would have made the same decision if they were presented with the same opportunity as Yuehong. Chunhua shows that if you truly believe in what is right or wrong, justice and equality, and you are will to sacrifice, then ultimately you will make a change.
Some of the ways that the movie was shot was kind of interesting; first, the scenes always fade out to switch between settings or different plot line. Maybe that’s because it is the only way they were able to switch between scenes back then. Secondly, the characters always get a close up when they are going through emotional feelings and thoughts. Thirdly, newspapers are always used as public announcements of significant events, and also serve as transitions between stories. And finally, when the scenes become intense or during a climax, music always comes up and no dialogue was spoken. (Just some thoughts for you guys to comment on)
It's excellent that you point out how the two characters react and are shaped by their story and their environment in different ways. Although it's something that occurred to me when watching the movie, when I read your response it made me think 'this film really is telling two stories.' It's sort of easy to think of the "main characters" in a film or story telling us one story - side characters are there to give us tidbits of information, maybe about the larger tale or about their lives, it depends on the structure of the story, but generally speaking a "main character" or "main characters" tell us one story or at least lead us to one ending. In this case, whether there is one ending or not, I think it's curious that the story essentially gives us two outcomes by contrasting these two characters throughout the entirety of the film. Where does Yuehong begin the story and where does it end for her? How about for Chunhua?
DeleteReading this, I feel like I can look at the story in a different way now.
While it's true that both sisters are important, I think it was fairly clear that because Chunhua was so much more active, making decisions that were controversial, that she is the MAIN character. Yuehong becomes just a prop to elicit emotion from Chunhua and offer her a chance to get on her soapbox, as in the trial scene, where Yuehong has nothing to say, but Chunhua speaks for her. Yuehong is important, but again, because Chunhua acts, the story is about her. This becomes even more apparent if we look at how characters develop. Chunhua has many changes she undergoes, from unconfident, to a leader, from quiet to outspoken, while Yuehong simply goes from being a hook to get Chunhua into the troop, to being a hook to tie Chunhua to the political drama played out among power-brokers.
DeleteWhat do you think, am I casting Yuehong wrong?
I really like the way you used your comparison of the two sisters to portray the inequality in society and how the two girls responded to their powerless state. I remember Chunchua befriending Jiang, but had never thought of Jiang being a replacement to Yuehong until you mentioned it. I think this is a valid point to note and a pivotal turning point in the film.
ReplyDeleteThe Chinese movie named ‘Stage Sisters’ was directed in 1965s. It showed the old society from 1935s to 1949s. A girl named Chunhua was a child bride. She was be saved by Yuehong. Yuehong was a Shaoxing Opera actress. She seek her father that who was the owner of troupe to let Chunhua stay with them. Then Chunhua also became a Shaoxing Opera actress in the troupe. Chunhua and Yuehong performed so well. However, they were stymied by Nisan because they didn’t let Nisan take liberties with Yuehong. After few months, Yuehong’s father dead in the winter but they didn’t have money to tomb Yuehong’s father. So they borrowed money from ganger and followed him to Shanghai. They performed very well in Chalou Theater. They became popular soon. However, when they got popular, they began to choose different ways. Yuehong liked debauchery night, then she got married with the boss of theater. Chunhua organized the perform“Blessing”with her friends under the influence of progressive ideas. After Yuehong got married with Tang, she was not happy. Yuehong was always forced to do something that she really don’t want to do by Tang, even she was framed by Tang. However, she came to realize the truth in the end. She came back to perform with Chunhua again.
ReplyDeleteThis film’s background is old society. The society was at a time of upheaval. It didn’t have freedom of speech and had so many unfair things. This film connects society to drama. People were in the oppression. Society still exists in the feudal era habits such as child bride. Chunhua was a child bride in the past. So she can feel the oppression of old society. In the film, she accepted progressive ideas and organized the perform“Blessing”. She wants ore and more people that like her can come to realize the truth. They need to change this society and against oppression.
I agress with you oppion,as a chinese,we know that history in old society of china.So,it is indeed a dark sociey.The woman was the ruled in that time,the woman actually silent victims who are denied desire and expression.But on the other hand,some people need to accountable this by they own,Why?because some people think "the evil way is good way"to summit,in my oppion that is a terrible social mentality!
DeleteProduced in the 1960s, China was experiencing its “Socialist Realism” period (Zhang, 190). During this time period, the film industry was rapidly expanding in China as new film schools and studios opened, film operations expanded, and the film industry in general became a more integral part of society. Major themes of films produced during this time period included topics on war (which was prevalent in many parts of the world), ethnic minorities, and operas. With this information in mind, it is unsurprisingly fitting that “Stage Sisters” was produced during this time period. This is because the film is categorized in the opera genre.
ReplyDeleteJin Xie's "Stage Sisters" is an opera film depicting the lives of its two protagonists: Zhu Chunhua and Yuehong. Premiering in 1964, the film portrays the concepts of social class and gender inequality in China as the two sisters meet, grow together in sisterhood, drift apart, and eventually reunite. Despite the fact that the sisters’ relationship with each other undergoes much change, the underlying theme throughout the film remains the same: women had less power than men, and those of a lower social class were less powerful than those of a higher social class. By examining the individual changes in the sister’s relationship, one can better understand these underlying central themes and see why the changes in the sister’s relationships best illustrate the concepts of gender inequality and social class hierarchy in Chinese culture.
The film opens with a scene showing Chunhua fleeing from her family as she was to be married against her will. Viewers understand later that this rebellious streak that Chunhua showed in this scene was characteristic of Chunhua’s personality in general, as she eventually rebels once more against society later in the film. Yuehong first meets Chunhua as Chunhua is discovered in her hiding spot and Yuehong’s family and opera crew are faced with the decision to expose Chunhua or conceal her identity and adopt her into the opera crew. From the get go, one can see the disruption of social inequality. The fact that Chunhua physically abandoned her family because she was going to be forced to marry someone she did not want to shows that women were powerless in making their own decisions.
I totally agree with you! However it is important to note that Chunhua did indeed get away with escaping her family and had a much better life than she ever would have hoped. I think that this might show the revolutionary aspect of the film from the very beginning. I also think that the fact that the film portrays so clearly the roles of the sisters and in respect to each other. Almost everyone could relate to film in that sense that relationships are rocky at times and can get back together eventually. I was surprised to see that so clearly laid out throughout this very early Chinese film!
DeleteI noticed the gender roles, too, so I completely agree. While there is character development, and the plot and time changes, the theme of gender roles never do change. I didn't think about the disruption of social inequality that you brought up, so I find that interesting, and I agree. Disobeying by running away to keep from being forced to marry someone does disrupt what was normal during that time.
DeleteThe concept of gender inequality is further illustrated in a later scene when Chunhua and Yuehong are sent off to work as apprentices in the acting industry in Shanghai. Chunhua and Yuehong spent three years working to pay off family debt and only kept a very small portion of their earnings. Even though Master Xing, the opera crew’s leader and Yuehong’s father, did not force the girls to go away to work, he did not really ask the women whether or not they wanted to go. It was almost as if it was expected that the women would accept the invitation to go work and pay off the family debt. This shows that women were basically powerless in making their own decisions for themselves and were destined to do whatever society wanted them to do with their lives.
ReplyDeleteDuring their apprenticeship, the two girls work in Tiang’s opera. They quickly become very famous and are huge hits in the operas of Shanghai. As years pass, Yuehong realizes that she will eventually grow old and fears her potential to do anything with her life will slip away if she does not act quickly. This realization is seen as Yuehong converses with Chunhua and says, “We are just actresses and our fate is not good.” Upon this conversation, Chunhua slaps her adopted sister in anger. Yuehong marries Tiang, and Chunhua forms her own band of opera groupies. Once again, this scene shows that women were powerless in Chinese society. Yuehong chose to accept this fact and conform to society’s wishes by marrying Tiang, and Chunhua chose to rebel against society by not conforming to its standards. This scene also showed the difference in social class structure between the rich and the poor. By marring Tiang, Yuehong would have access to expensive clothing and a more luxurious lifestyle than Chunhua, who would only have such luxuries on stage.
Despite their different lifestyles and decisions, Chunhua and Yuehong eventually find a common ground and reunite as Chunhua sticks up for Yuehong in court. Yuehong had been wrongfully accused and treated as a scapegoat for the attempted murder of Yuehong. The fact that Yuehong was blamed further illustrates the fact that women were frequently used as scapegoats and were forced to accept this status if they wanted a place to eat and sleep. By examining the relationship between Chunhua and Yuehong and understanding the events that led to the changes in their relationship, one can see how influentially powerful gender inequality was in the lives of women in Chinese culture.
You say, "By examining the relationship between Chunhua and Yuehong and understanding the events that led to the changes in their relationship, one can see how influentially powerful gender inequality was in the lives of women in Chinese culture." I think it also portrays how the various people groups came together to help establish the CCP. Mao went to village after village, gaining the respect of many people, and that is how his popularity arose.
DeleteI agree that Yuehong is sucked into what society wants by agreeing to marry their master. I agree that Chunhua was angry with her when she slapped her. It has to be because Chunhua was in that position in the beginning, but she went against it, unlike Yuehong. I agree that Yuehong probably only married because the marriage would make her wealthy, and that is what families wanted for their women when finding a partner for them.
DeleteLast week, we were watch a movie, the name is “Stage sisters”, even if I never see that movie in China, but I was deeply the shock. Firstly the movie background is in the ShaoXing of China at the beginning of 1940, the entertainers name of Zhu Chunhua and Xing Yuehong they are both sing opera in the ShaoXing but they work is not smooth in there! They always were suffered by the local evil forces, just like Master Nisan and the Monk Wang axi. They are both bad guys in the film. After that, the Xing Yuehong’s father “Master Xing” was dead, before he death he had last words to Zhu Chunhua and Xing Yuehong, that is “Clear in being, Careful in singing” Soon afterward the two sisters went to Shanghai to sing opera, after three years they were became the famous person in “Shaoxing opera’s circles” of Shanghai. During this period Zhu Chunhua always keep to Master Xing’s last words from beginning to end, But the Xing Yuehong not follow that she lose herself in the “colorful world” and meanwhile she was vicious, even walk into the evil way, she was on the drink everyday and decided marry to Manager Tang, but “the morning sun never lasts a day”, Xing Yuehong was abandoned by Manager Tang and was framed to murder Zhu Chunhua. Xing Yuehong finally came to her senses at the end of the flim.And two sisters meet on the stage again.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I’m concerned, this movie want to expression this information for us, that is the stage is a brilliant place, and also is a bitter and regret place, Especially in the old society of China .Meanwhile exposes the social system and the forces of the dark were mutilation of art and artists, and demonstrate in that society atmosphere someone think the evil way is a good way to summit, I think this a distorted social psychology. In addition the women can not get the respect they deserve, not only that these women are actually silent victims who are denied desire and expression. For example, the death of queen of YueJu .When she make enough money for Manager Tang, she was abandoned by Manager Tang. In her despair, she was hand out herself; it has to admit its real tragedy! Who’s to blame? I think the society which oppressed the people need to accountable this, but again, truth to be told, if she want to find the guilty，she just need only look into a mirror! Because if suppose she do not like vain same with Xing Yuehong, I think the tragedy maybe not happen. In other words, the tragedy is caused by her own. Finally, although I‘ve never seen this movie in China, but I think the movies is really classic movie. For all I know this movie have been got the “London International Film Festival and the British Film Institute Award” in 1980.In my opinion, that is rare!
I think it's very important to talk about art and the arts can be distorted depending on the vision of the person behind their creation. It's also important to remember the social and historical context of some of these works, not to mention their intent. Is it the filmmaker's intention to victimize the characters with the hope/expectation that the audience will enjoy their victimization? Or is it their intention to highlight the victimization of others like these characters with the goal of inciting some kind of change?
DeleteIt doesn't have to be either, it can be a strict historical retelling of a story, of course, or one that's done for dramatic visual effect (I'm thinking of Red Cliff right now for some reason). I would argue that this film, Stage Sisters, isn't anything of the sort. It clearly evokes some kind of emotional response in the people who view it, as it did many of the people in our class, it would appear.
This is a rare and great film in 1965s. It shows the dark side of old society. It also shows the positive side. Chunhua and her friends organized the progressive perform because they want to get their power that they should be given. So I agree with your opinion. The old society made these tragedies.
DeletePart I
ReplyDeleteWhen watching Stage Sisters, one feels like they are viewing a series of elaborate still images, moments frozen in time that each highlight a point of significance to the characters, be they the central characters of Yuehong and Chunhua or the other members of the proverbial "troupe." These 'moments' may actually prove to be somewhat disjointed in terms of us, the viewers, but my overall impression of the film was that this seemed to be intentional. This is pointed out in Gina Marchetti's article, "Two Stage Sisters: The blooming of a revolutionary aesthetic." The author highlights the film's use of "episodic narrative structure, [which] relies on often disjointed, autonomous sequences to give it a sweeping scope and an ability to deal with all aspects of society" (Marchetti). Like the elaborate and intentional movements used in opera, each scene gives the viewer a snapshot of the story, using both sound effects and choral music to move the action along, as well as further immerse its audience in the aesthetic of the Shaoxing opera that it seemingly seeks to emulate.
There are several scenes very early in Stage Sisters that seem to stand out in terms of illustrating the starkly episodic, compartmentalized nature of the storytelling in this film. The first occurs at 4:45 into the film, when Yuehong discovers Chunhua in her clothing trunk, then again at 5:14, and finally culminates with the scene in which Chunhua begs to be taken in by the troupe directly after this, with the troupe manager saying he will adopt Chunhua because she can "make her eyes speak." The close ups at 4:45 and 5:14, as well as those throughout the scene emphasize exactly what the manager is saying. Her eyes are certainly speaking when he says it, at 6:29 and again at 7:08, when they fill with tears upon being told she can join the troupe. Each shot is softly lit and the lighting draws the viewer's eye to Chunhua's. The camera work reflects the dialogue and makes the scene seem both believable and relatable in terms of Chunhua's emotion, as well as being theatrical in its presentation.
Part II
ReplyDeleteThe second "scene" in which this seems evident happens at 20:20 and lasts only a few seconds. Though the scene as a whole is fascinating - in which Chunhua is brought a bowl of water after having been condemned to the stocks for her "role" in angering the local lord - the single most striking element occurs when the bowl is raised to her lips and a single tear falls into it. It's such a perfectly theatrical moment, an image that doesn't seem like it could be real unless it had been staged, but in the moment, the viewer feels such empathy with the character that it also evokes an emotional response and feels natural. The camera doesn't slow down or zoom in on the precise spot where the tear falls, it may have been completely accidental at the time of filming, it looks so naturalized. But it is noticeable.
The last of these scenes occurring in the first 'act' of the film, before the girls go to Shanghai, happens at the very end, after Yuehong's father has passed away. The conniving Tang, at the time of the father's passing, seems almost gleeful and is clearly plotting some way to turn the situation to his favor. When it's announced to the girls at 27:46 that they don't need to worry, that this isn't like the operas where daughters must sell themselves to pay their father's debts, you can feel a sense of foreboding, as if this is immediate foreshadowing to something - or else simply highly ironic, because this scene and the one following it signal the girls' transition to life in Shanghai. They have, effectively, been sold to compensate for their father's debt. This one line, I believe, seems to signal the turn of the story from its beginnings - the narrative introduction of the characters and the setting of the scene so to speak, to the bulk of the story. It also, in a sense, plays with the existence of the fourth wall by inadvertently "acknowledging" the fiction of the story with a reference to further fiction - the fiction that these girls concern themselves with performing on a daily basis.
The story of Stage Sisters is dramatized, of course, but it is a dramatized version of a historical timeline just as much as it is that of the characters within. The film skillfully highlights the passage of time and with it the history of the mid-20th century in China. The production of the film also contextualizes it historically, given the allusion to its various influences - be they from Hollywood or the then-Soviet Union or elsewhere - as well as the way in which it influenced others, not only filmmakers. Although I found the Marchetti article a bit difficult to digest (mostly due to a need for some more proofreading on the part of the author), it did an excellent job of integrating a wide variety of sources and research on the film and the historical context of its production and consumption.
I think it is a great comment on the movie. the way you annalyzed the movie through every particular scenes make people easier to know about the movie and understand the movie clearly.
DeleteI like your response. You show us a film's timeline about how to use some scenes to render the film. It is easier for us to watch and feel this film. The director use Chunhua's eyes to show the film's sadness because her eyes can speak.
DeleteStage Sisters talks about the poor lives of two girls, Chuanhua and Yuehong, who are both stage actresses. And the film actually reflects the tragic lives of artists during that time period.
ReplyDeleteThe film begins in 1935, there was a troupe giving a show in a temple. The poor child bride-Chunhua was seen by the actress in the troupe called Yuehong, Yuehong begged the master of the troupe to take Chunhua in, and Chunhua and Yuehong became good sisters since then. Because of Chunhua and Yuehong, the troupe did great in every show, when they wwent to Shaoxing Zhejiang, the local bully tried to insult Yuehong but he didnt succeed, so he colluded with the local police sheriff, trying to arrest Yuehong. When the crew from the troupe tried to save Yuehong from the fabricated charge, Chuanhua got caught and she was taken out for a march, also, the master of the troupe was beaten to death. Chunhua and Yuehong had no money to have a funeral for the master, so they had to sell themselves to the bad foreman of the troupe, the foreman dissolved the troupe and took Chunhua and Yuehong to Shanghai. They are new there, so they couldnt find a place to give shows. They had a chance to step on the stage because the main actress of a troupe couldnt act on that day, and they are known in Shanghai after that show. Unfortunately, the close sisters started to fall apart, because of the bad lure of the big city, and she married the manager of the troupe. Chunhua knew what kind of person that manager is, and she couldnt sit and watch her sister fall. So CHunhua started working with the journalist-Jiangbo. And they finally had overcome a lot of hard difficulties, and brought the bad manager to justice. Also, Yuehong woke up and turned around, the two sisters got back together again, and begun a new life on the stage.
I was impressed by this movie and the director after I watch this movie, because the movie was shoot in 1964, and it talks about the lives of Chinese people back in 1930s. These two time periods are two dark periods in comtemporary China in the Chinese history, honstly, artists who was not afraid to get killed dared to film a movie like this, and I found out that the film was forbidden for a while in China. Chinese Democratic Party was organized in 1921, and People Republic of China was established in 1949, so we can imagine how unstable China was, and how many reformations and revolutions went down during 28 years. I mentioned at the beginning of my response, the film reflects the poor lives of artists in that unstable time, they had to flatter every person to get a chance to act on the stage, they needed to give out money and souls, and girls might needed to give up their bodies, and most of them didm, and it is almost the same thing in the entertainment cirle in China even now, how pathetic is that. The journalist in the movie is actually a model of the democratic party, it shows us that if we follow the lead of the democracy, we will overcome anything someday, because at the end of the moive, Yuehong turned around because of the instruction of the jhournalist.Overall, it is a great movie, it gives a lot of people a better way to see China, and to learn deeper about Chinese history and culture.
I hadn't quite caught the, "journalist in the movie is actually a model of the democratic party" metaphor, and I think it is brilliant. However, I'm not sure the message was that if they followed democracy everything would be ok. The CCP is not exactly a democracy, wouldn't you agree? I think, however, the journalist is the voice of Mao, himself, saying, "The people have the power." That is just my perspective though.
DeletePardon me for not being impressed, but Stage Sisters is packed with every cliche known to man. Girl flees the law and joins the circus (or in this case a stage acting troupe); girl meets another girl the same age and the two become fast friends; old man dies; "sisters" forced into show business and make no money; one "sister" marries their manager which forces the friends apart; someone is murdered; someone is framed for the murder; "liberation" occurs and the friends eventually rekindle their sisterhood; the end.
ReplyDeleteOk, so I jest. While the plot may be a bit cliche, the movie makes up for it in symbolism and political statements. The film was produced not long after its depicted events occur. A time when class struggle and disjointed government were very real things. During the 2nd Sino-Japanese war era women had it very rough. They were never respected (as shown by the manager of the Shanghai stage) and they hardly had the power to do anything about. As the movie progresses, the propaganda rises. I found the scene where the reporter is talking to Chunhua about owning their own theater to be the most poignant. The reporter says, in essence, now is the time to take a bigger stand. Now is a time to gather the people and make a bigger change! Combining this scene with my knowledge of Chairman Mao (who strongly believed in the power of the people to overthrow government) it is clear that the whole driving force behind the movie is perhaps a great big "站起来！” The film, in my mind, was made to remind people that they were the ones who overcame great adversity to establish the CCP.
Perhaps without having a proper background of Chinese history this movie would have fallen flat (as i alluded to in my first paragraph). However, what with the little that i do know of Chinese history, the movie proved a tremendous victory for its purpose--that is as propaganda. An entertaining story with a government approved message.
It is perhaps a bit cliche, but keep in mind it is an early work with an original screenplay; it was one of the few not adapted from existing literature or play. I reckon it's less risky to go with established plot devices that they know will sell. This is for sure a work of propaganda, as you say, and I feel it would have been a much better film were the focus placed elsewhere.
DeleteYou talk about the plot being cliche, and it may in fact be that way, but it also is from 1960, so I wonder how cliche these topics were at the time. As I mentioned in my post below, I agree with your belief about the purpose of this film, that of propaganda. I'm not sure however that it's a "站起来" kind of film, it feel more like a primer for the 'confused' about how and why they should support the current social landscape.
DeleteStage sister begins with scenes of what seems to be Chinese traditional building, but later learned to be "empty, ancient, theater stages" (Zhang, 214). The film quickly introduces the audience to the "two actresses" in very different ways. The first, Yuehong, is introduced from the very beginning as a center stage opera singer/actresses. The second girl, Chunhua, has a more radical entry in which she escapes her soon to be family and resides behind the scenes of the opera. After some deliberation from the mangers of the opera Chunhua is welcomed into the opera and the girls rapidly become tight-knit sisters on and off the stage. This bond, however, is later tested when the girls are sent for 3 years to Shanghai to perform in a Shanghai opera. The manager of the opera steals the heart of Yuehong and deceives her greatly. The film progresses with many operas telling stories of the girls feeling on and off the stage. But later Yuehong sees the real hat of the manager with the help of her sister,and the film ends with the sister traveling happily together at last.
ReplyDeleteI want to focus on the introduction because this I found this most interesting. In particular, how both sisters are introduced. I began talking about this above, but I really want to dive into it even deeper. Answering the question, why are the girls introduced the way they are? As I've thought about this more and more I find that the girls roles almost stay consistent throughout the film, Yuehong, the opera star, and Chunhua the rebellious, do whatever it takes kind of girl. Yes, both of these roles are shifted at times but I feel like this sums it up pretty well. Also would the stage of opera be seen as a way to get away from traditional china and make the merge to revolution? In the way that Chunhua escapes her soon to be abusive family (traditional ways of China) to fight her way out of oppression on the stage of opera (the more revolutionary China)? This I am not sure, I just wanted to run that parallel by you all. Also, the instant connection that the girls feel when the audience sees the first close up of the film on the girls faces staring at one another with joy and a sense of relief. But why did the girls have such an instant connection? They had only met a few minutes earlier, did Yuehong have a past like that of Chunhua's or did they have other connections that are unknown? Overall the movie was much more advanced than I thought it would have been and exceeded my expectations in a lot of ways.
I think you bring up a good point about the sisters' instant connection. It seemed that they rushed the introduction for the sake of pacing. I feel that they did not adequately portray the relationship development between the sisters. This made the 'falling out' carry much less impact than it could have for the audience.
DeleteStage Sisters (1965) takes place in early to mid 1900s China. It revolves around opera performers Chunhua and Yuehong, and spans over many decades of their lives. At the beginning of the film, we see Chunhua being recruited into an opera group in return for refuge from her pursuers. There, she is paired with Yuehong, the daughter of the opera teacher. The two quickly become good friends during Chunhua’s apprenticeship. Eventually, they are invited to do a private performance for a man who I assume is a wealthy local figure. After the performance, we observe that the man takes an interest in Yuehong, but is quickly declined. Chunhua is forcibly arrested by local authorities as a result, and is tied to a pillar for 3 days as punishment. Years later, the opera group falls into a tough decline as the opera teacher passes away. In order to pay for the funeral costs, the friends, now sworn sisters, are sent to Shanghai on a 3 year contract. They quickly rise in popularity and, after three years of work, are able to pay off the debt and make a decent living. Yuehong becomes increasingly jaded. No longer wanting to perform, she agrees to marry the manger, Tang. Chunhua, who remains grounded, does not approve. The remainder of the film revolves around the eventual decline of their kinship and their subsequent feud.
ReplyDeleteThe cinematography at the start of the film was surprisingly well-done. I am talking particularly about the montage detailing Chunhua’s apprenticeship with the travelling opera group. The landscape in the travel footage look beautiful and very pleasing to the eyes with the camera seemingly placed at just the right position and angle. I like that the dialogues are often short and to the point, with few wasted words; thoughts and reactions are carefully delivered through subtle facial gestures. The story offers a radical concept despite being an original (and therefore risky) screenplay of its time: real film actresses portraying fictional opera actresses. It makes you wonder if the actresses playing Chunhua and Yuehong share a similarly melodramatic relationship.
I agree. I had low expectations for the quality of camera work and scenery because of the technology back then. I was suprised by what the film was able to do and how the camera zoomed in to the faces to clearly see their emotions.
DeleteI believe The Stage Sisters follows two women’s life in order to portray gender roles in 1930’s China. During the 1930’s, women didn’t have many rights, just like American women, but not as extreme. Throughout the film, we see how Chunhua relies on a man – Tang – to take care of her. As a child would, Chunhua begs him to take her in. This is a good example where the Chinese woman is portrayed as helpless without a higher figure taking care of h. Tang agrees to take her because of her eyes. She is referred to as good material, meaning she has looks to make them money.
ReplyDeleteWhile this shows how the Chinese woman relied on a man, it also shows the audience how Chinese men saw women. Tang and the others see her as a beautiful object ready to make him money. The Big Boss, Ni San, collects women who can perform on stage and make him money. Today, we would say that only objects can be collected, not women. This theme of gender role of Chinese women is only one aspect in The Stage Sisters. There is definitely a theme of theater that could be further explained.
I agree with your point. American women gained their rights to vote in 1920 with the passage of 19th amendment. Even in today's society, women in developed countries are still experiencing glass ceiling and bias.
DeleteThis is a very good point to be brought up. Throughout the entire film, there is a continuous "looking-down-upon attitude" towards both of the female actresses. In many regards, I feel that China and America have somewhat escaped this trend; while at the same time, true equality has not been reached.
DeleteResponse to Stage Sisters
ReplyDeleteThis film depicts the story of a child-bride, from her fortunate escape in 1935 to her future communist influential position in 1964. Protected and taken in by a troupe of performers, specifically at the request of Yuehong Xing, she integrates into the group of artists, showing a hardworking and fair personality. The turning point from favorable to troublesome begins when a wealthy man asks for a pricate performance, followed by a implicit demand for the 'company' of Yuehong Xing. The group as a whole (sans that overseer) refuses, with drastic consequences. In defense of Yuehong, Chunhua Zhu crosses the guards amd is hung up to public ridicule in a 3-day ordeal that is unavoidably christ-inspired. Further on, after their master's death, the two sisters work in Shanghai for a corrupt, albeit not malicious stage-manager. Their time in Shanghai, with fame and fortune changes the girls, leading to a deteriorated relationship. Yuehong Xing 'marries' the manager, and leaves stagelife to be a kept woman. Chunhua on the other hand, gets heavily involved in communisitic movements, including playing in an adaption of a story by Lu Xun, which earns the ire of the Guomindang, who seek to suppress such material. In the end, Chunhua faces her sister in court, and delivers a moving speech in defense of her misguided friend, castigating the Guomindang. The concluding scene in the same town as everything began, and her ordeal took place, Chunhua reunites with Yuehong, tearfully.
This film is heavily political, and including it with the cultural revolution material seems apt. To me, thios film seems to be a morality play, showing the transformation of aspects of the chinese population. The downtrodden are protected by the kind, but powerless, who in turn and exploited by the rich and merciless. Yuehong represents the 'misguided' population who sides with the Guomindang, as they're the ones with power, but since they're only misguided, they are forgiven for the wrongs they've done or helped to do after the Guomindang are expelled. The landlords are all bad people, who are more concerned with opulance than with the people around them. One particularly striking scene was the meeting in the living house discussing the funeral of the late Queen of the Opera, Shang Shuihua, rather than treat her like a person, it trasnfers all the attention over to the ritual of burial, ignoring the humanity. This film reveals it's maker's roots, which were assuredly associated with the newish government, and strikes me as an 'educational' film designed to impress upon the unenlightened, the way the world worked now. As mentioned in an earlier post (by Josh) this is a work of propaganda, but a vastly entertaining, and I have to admit touching one. IT may be cliched, but the acting felt superb, convincing me that these could almost be real people. (were it not for the fact they are on a screen)
I'd been thinking about this, and I keep coming back to the scene where Chunhua is up on the post, and it seems more and more out of place to me. it's not really referenced or expounded upon, it feels almost as though it's thrown in as a tossaway, as a way of saying she suffered. I'm not sure what purpose it served in telling the story, developing characters or if it was simply to show cruel practices of the old system.
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ReplyDelete“Stage Sisters” is the oldest film came out from China that I have ever watched. The film was finished in 1965 and reflects the time period from 1930s to 1950s. The movie was made in the sensitive time period of “Cultural Revolution”. From rescuing the child bride Chunhua to being exposed publicly for running away from a bully, the director of the movie “Xie Jin” cleverly revealed the darkness of “Cultural Revolution” throughout the film by using these details and plots as metaphors.
ReplyDeleteThe point that I am focusing on is how moving to Shanghai has transformed Yuehong’s life. Clearly it is one of the turning points of the film when two sisters signed contract to work for free for three years in order to bury Yuehong’s father. There were foreign concessions in Shanghai, so even though the rest of China was in the flames of war with Japan or later on its own civil war, Yuehong and Chunhua had the opportunity and ability to make themselves popular as opera singers. There was a scene when Manager Tang comes in to the office to talk to the two sisters about a script that he thinks might be popular. Yuehong was practicing how to make her signature looks better. She was enjoying being popular. Yuehong soon figured out that she does not want to be just an “actress”, especially after seeing the Opera Queen lost all her performance opportunities when Yuehong and Chunhua joined in the opera troupe. And then she determined to marry with the Manager Tang, who she thought might give her a lifelong of wealthy and respects. Ultimately, it’s her decision led to her miserable outcome. Sadly even in today, people still go with the stream without even think independently. I do think it is a good film that arouses me to think deeply about the metaphor of each details and plots.
I like the point that you analyzed about Yuhong's changes and decisions after being in Shanghai. Obviously, she is different than Chuahua, which is a warm-kind and independent woman. I think Yuhong is not the only that kind of woman in that period of China. She, herself reflected the status of women who lived in 1930's of China. After PRC established, the status of women gradually increased.
DeleteAs a whole, I thought that Stage Sisters was a very well put together, concrete piece of film. The story starred two young women who were brought together as a result of fate; and ended up traveling around the country performing their shows with each other. I believe that the essence of this film lies within those two women themselves, and that the film, in its entirety, revolved around the concept of gender equality in China. Although the obvious gender issues are present, the two actresses are still treated as valued and equal members. The beginning of the film starts out in a small town, presumably, in China. All of the local people have gathered around to watch the show, gamble, and above all to socialize. Suddenly the police came in and chased down a young girl, who apparently escaped from home. The people that offered her refuge ended up keeping her hidden for longer by taking her on as one of the singers/actresses in the group. Throughout this entire scene, one is constantly reminded about gender issues in post-revolution China. From the way that the men pushed the women around, and even from the look in the men’s eyes in their interactions with the women, it was made clear that China was a male dominated society.
ReplyDeleteThis view on women, present in Stage Sisters, is particularly expressed in the scene where the acting troupe travels to go to their performance. Upon arrival in the city, they make their performance, and afterwards get invited to perform a private show for a gentleman, presumably someone who is of high rank in the small town. The way it was presented, at least to the two actresses, made it seem more like an insisting demand rather than a request. At least, this is how the show worker communicated the information to the two women, which still furthers the case of women being discriminated on. However, even though women were often discriminated during this time, there were many instances in which they were treated as equals. An example of this can be seen in the long journey to the first small the troupe goes to visit. Even though the men appear to be carrying the larger objects when walking through the snow, the women are carrying not-light packages themselves, which have the potential to be just as heavy as the ones carried by the men. Another example of the women being treated well was when they were being paid, and were paid a large sum of money, by their extremely kind and respectful boss. As it can be seen, the way the women in this film were being treated can be viewed as degrading. However, at the same time, they can also be seen as valued members of the organization, and equal with regards to rights and responsibilities.
Yes, I agree that gender issues are still apparent in the film. For example, Tang was incredibly rude and manipulative. He deceived Yuehang and took her as a mistress. Moreover, the two female performers were sold to Tang, as if they were objects to be sold. It even seems as if the male dominated society attempted to fuel female rivalry by making the younger female opera singers the stars of the show.
DeleteGreat comments on the film. I think it's good to see to positive side of the women's role in the film because so many times especially in older movies the women are mostly degraded, but in this film they were given more rights and roles from carrying equipment to making money for themselves, that they could give away, or do whatever they wanted to do with it! But I also think that is another reason why this film was seen as so revolutionary.
DeleteStage Sisters details the life of two female characters: Chunhua and Yuehong. The film starts by introducing Chunhua, a runaway. After pleading for help, Chunhua later becomes inducted into A’Xin’s theater troupe, where she meets Yuehong. The two female opera singers soon become very close and become renown for their talent. However, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, hard times fall on the theatrical troupe. Consequently, A’Xin sells Chunhua and Yuehng to Tang, the owner of a theatrical troupe in Shanghai. Although the two female protagonists were quite similar in the beginning, they soon become foils of each other in Shanghai. While Chunhua remains grounded and humble, Yuehong becomes increasingly materialistic and concerned with her appearance. Their disparities grow larger as Yuehong marries Tang while Chunhua seeks justice for Shuihua and performs revolutionary operas.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the film, political criticism is apparent. The director shows the corruption of the Chinese police, when they wrongfully condemn Chunhua to public shaming. Moreover, the film aims to reveal the consequences of the Sino-Japanese War by showing its devastating financial effects on A’Xin’s theatrical troupe. The film also highlights the role of women in revolutionary efforts by making Chunhua the hero of the film; throughout the film, Chunhua remains a strong and humble leader against injustices. By comparing Chunhua to Yuehong, viewers can see the potential significance of female power.
I agree with you, the directer figured Chunhua and Yuhong as one positive and another negative impress to audiences. It also showed that only rely on wealth and enjoyment couldn't have a good result like Yuhong's former life.
DeleteCorruption in political world is very common even in today’s society, especially in developing countries. I would say it is a unavoidable phenomenon especially during a transformation of a society or regime. Al Capone was a leading gangster during the Prohibition-era and undoubtedly there were corruptions. Even today, there are still lots of gun violence in Chicago area.
DeleteI was struck by the sharp contrast portrayed from their lives before and after communism. The working girl who gave Chunhua water during her punishment shown in clean cut clothes with a clean face really exemplifies this. I also noticed that some fled to Taiwan while others had hope for redemption at the end. Most of the disenfranchised characters were of course the best off.
ReplyDeleteIn 1935, there is a troupe named “Spring Stage” having show in a temple. Tongyangxi Chunhua couldn’t bear any abuse and met Yuehong who is the daughter of drama teacher, Master Xing. Yuehong sees Chunhua is pathetic and begs Master Xing and Monk A’Xin to provide a shelter for Chunhua. Later on, Yuehong and Chunhua became twin sisters. Soon, the two sisters doing great job on the stage, every performances have a good box office. There is a local gentry in Shaoxing wants to own Yuehong and colluded with police trying to arrest her. She ties to the bridge by police for public. Master Xing also died after being severely beaten by the police. To handle Master Xing’s funeral, Yuehong and Chunhua have to sell theirselves to Monk A’Xin as actress. They go to Shanghai and meet Mr. Tang, who is a owner of a theater. Mr. Tang agrees the sister to have a show on stage because of the former popular actress Shuihua has a illness. The two sisters had aroused the audience a burst of applause , and soon they became popular in Shanghai. Later, Mr. Tang attemeted Chunhua to act a dirty style performance but she rejected. However, Yuehong falling into the trap of Mr. Tang, as well as, married to Mr. Tang. By following this, Yuehong’s fame is growing, she gradually despised brothers and sisters in troupe. Also, the Queen status in troupe was repleced by her, the former one, Shuihua suicide. Chunhua see through the ugly face of Mr. Tang and do not want Yuhong fall and stoop. She did not change her mind but get resentment from Yuhong. At the same time, Chunhua and sisters in troupe organized to perform a show according to Lu Xun novel “Blessing”. Mr. Tang colluded with the KMT Party headquarter Pan for thereason od destruction of their performance, istigate Monk A’Xin to blind Chunhua’s eyes. Mr. Tang stressed Yuehong that she mastermined all thing and attempt to put political persecution into sisters hatred. Chunhua disclosed Mr. Tang in open court. After the liberation, Chunhua and the troupe go to rual areas of Zhejiang for performance. She found Yuhong left Mr. Tang a month before the liberation. Finally the two sisters met and started a new career on the stage.
ReplyDeleteThis film reflected the women status in contemporary China. There is a scene which is Yuhong and Chunhua have to go to Shanghai with Monk A’Xin to raise money for paying back for the spent of Master Xing’s funeral. And another scene is Yuhong deceided to marry to Mr. Tang and quit for being an actress. It might because she saw how lower status of Shuihua after she becoming less popular than Chunhua, and also she felt like marry with a who is rich and powerful is much easier than she being an actress. It could say women couldn’t decide their future or they have no choice to choose which way of life they want.
Yes i feel like that might have been the typical thing to do at the time what Chunhua did. to marry a well off man because there was just not that much opportunity for women at the time
DeleteYes, I think the status of women was clearly shown by your examples. But I also think this film highlights some of the positive aspects of female characters. For instance, Chunhua was a strong female lead who fought against injustices.
ReplyDeleteThe movie, "Two Stage Sisters," is set in the 1930s focusing on the relationship between the two performers Chunhua and Yuehong. The movie as a whole in my opinion sends a message of gender inequality and glimpses of the Japanese occupation in China during that time. As the movie moves forward, it becomes clear that performers of the time have a very harsh and dangerous profession. In the beginning of the movie, after the two sisters performed on stage, Chunhua and Yuehong are asked to perform for a wealthy individual. During the middle of their performance at the dinner table, the wealthy man clearly wants more than just a performance and asked one of them to stay after dinner to which they refused. Yuehong is captured the next day by the police without legitimate reason and is strapped to a pole in the scorching sun.
ReplyDeleteThis part I think is particularly significant in what the situation was like back then. This scene is visited again throughout the entire movie two more times. One of them was a flash back to that scene as she gazes into a dark painting of an weary elderly looking man and is reminded of the struggles she has gone through. The other is when she returns back home and walks up to the lamppost in uniform, signifying a sense of liberation. It was also the place where Chunhua bravely walked up to her infront of the crowd to give her water showing the bond they had. When Yuehong touches the post, the camera sweeps to Chunhua, showing that they are once again sensing that bond that they haven’t felt for a long time.