MovieChat Forums > Xiao cheng zhi chun (2003) Discussion > Has anyone seen the original?

Has anyone seen the original?


How different is the new version?

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How different is the new version?
According to the director, in contents very much the same, but he distanced himself inasmuch that he only shot in medium and long shot so that the viewer is being presented with an unbiased view: "Times have changed since the original movie. In a triangle there are three protagonists, each of whom have their own agenda", or words to that effect.

BTW the extras on the (Chinese) DVD are most interesting - one hour on the making of the film - and they have very good English subtitles too.

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The new version beats the old version in new productions values and doesn't match up in any of the other departments-- the only reason to get a DVD of the new version is if it comes with along with the old version. IOW, the old version is a classic, the remake is a decent remake.

For example, the sets and cinematography in the new version is stunning-- but it's quite obvious that the cinemetography is being "shown off". The sets and cinematography in the old version are a bit clumsy, especially in the rough black-and-white print which has survived, but they are never shown longer (with slow pans) than is necessary to set-up the scene and atmosphere.

Even the acting, which is actually more naturalistic in the new version, comes off as acting because modern actors are trying to speak slower and quieter like they did in old movies. OTOH, the sometimes stilted acting in the older version, with influences of stage or radio drama, is invested with real feelings.

Another way to put it is to say that the old version is psychological drama-- because the director keeps a tight rein and pushes each of the characters to consider making a life-changing decision; while the new version is mostly filled with nostalgia.

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I watched both movies, this and the one made in 1948 by Fei Mu. The original was one of the greatest ever, unique in its architecture: two parallel flows - the recitative of the main female character while the story is unfolding in unforgettable images. Add to this the old city walls, talking to us with such strength!

This one is poignant because the director took each scene from the original and offered a different approach; and you feel the love, the deep empathy of today's director for each scene of the original. Add to this the mesmerizing camera of Mark Lee Ping Bing.

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[deleted]

Ive watched the original but not this one. I cant compare but theres something I can say. Old movies have a distinct flavour. A smell of the time in which they were filmed. Youre looking at the past. Its not just things that have changed. We have changed too.

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