His newest movie getting a TON of pub. Check out more here:
http://english.cri.cn/6666/2010/09/02/Zt1261s592519.htm"Under the Hawthorn Tree" Previewed in Shanghai 2010-09-09 09:31:57 CRIENGLISH.com Web Editor: zhucheng "Under the Hawthorn Tree", a romance film directed by Zhang Yimou, was previewed in Shanghai on Tuesday (Sept.7), M1905.com reports.
The film was able to move the audience to tears without even a single love scene. The innocence of the film recalled the innocence of the 1970s.
Unlike the sharp, contrasting colors Zhang is known for in his previous films like "Red Sorghum", "Hero" and "A Simple Noodle Story"; "Under the Hawthorn Tree" uses softer colors and natural light.
Stylistic changes work well with the storyline, which is more realistic in comparison with Zhang's other films.
Zhou Dongyu plays the lead female character Jing Qiu, who wears an outfit typical of the era for a female in China - a white shirt, blue pants and black cloth shoes. Her simplicity is displayed by her refusal to wear a pair of new rubber shoes she is presented as a gift by her boyfriend.
Zhou was reportedly hand-picked from a casting call which attracted more than 5,000 hopefuls from across the country.
"Her smile is evocative of first love," a viewer said after the preview.
When Jing Qiu's pregnant friend tells her that after a man "gets it," he will lose interest in a woman, Jing Qiu asks her friend what she means by "gets it," resulting in hearty laughter from the modern audience.
Jing Qiu's romantic boyfriend, Lao San, is played by Canadian-raised Dou Xiao.
"He sets an example for all Chinese men who are searching for a girlfriend," a female viewer said.
"Under the Hawthorn Tree" are both Zhou and Dou's first big-screen appearances.
"Under the Hawthorn Tree" is scheduled for release in China on September 16.
'Hawthorn Tree' Lovebirds Pose for Photo Shoot 2010-09-09 16:12:16 CRIENGLISH.com Web Editor: Xie Tingting Actress Zhou Dongyu and actor Shawn Dou from Zhang Yimou's drama film "Under the Hawthorn Tree" pose for photos. The acting newcomers portray an unfulfilled romance in the film due out September 16, 2010. [Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]
Zhang Yimou's Film to Open Pusan Film Festival 2010-09-08 09:33:47 Xinhua Web Editor: Xie Tingting South Korea's most prestigious film festival will feature a record number of world premieres when it kicks off next month, organizers said Tuesday (September 7).
The 15th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF), held in the southern port city of Busan since 1996, will take place from Oct. 7 to 15, showcasing 308 films from 67 countries.
The festival will open with "Under the Hawthorn Tree" a Chinese film directed by Zhang Yimou, who also directed the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
It will close with "Camellia", an omnibus film of three separate short pieces about the city of Busan directed by Wisit Sasanatieng of Thailand, Isao Yukisada of Japan and Jang Jun-Hwan of South Korea.
Organizers said that this year's PIFF boasts 103 world premieres and 52 international premieres among its 308 scheduled films.
"This year is for discovering new directors who will lead the future of the film industry. This will provide an opportunity for the films to become more contemporary and more revolutionary," organizers said in a statement.
Invited guests will include French actress Juliette Binoche, British actress Jane March, China's Tang Wei, Miyazaki Aoi of Japan and directors such as Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami, Oliver Stone of the United States and Spain's Carlos Saura.
The Asian Film Market, devoted to promoting innovative business models to film professionals around the world, will be held from Oct. 10 to 13 as a part of the PIFF.