THE BLUE KITE - A STRUGGLE FOR POLITICAL FREEDOM

by Jason Lin, film blogger, SON:sation

Tian Zhuangzhuang is a Fifth Generation Chinese Filmmaker, just like the better-known Chen Kaige and Zhang Yimou. His works have deviated from previous filmmaking norms, opting for a liberal approach to bold political discussion instead of blind political propaganda.

In Tian’s The Blue Kite, its intended critique of the significant Maoist Movements over the decade has been restrained with objectivity through the witness account of an adolescent boy who grew up during that time. It transcends traditional genre practice as a documentary within a narrative drama.

Tian doesn’t attempt to lead the audience into taking a subjective angle, but simply conveys the curiosity of the film’s innocent protagonist. This allows most of us who are unfamiliar with the difficult period to relate to Tietou. We learn through his observation before personally deciding what to make of the happenings depicted in The Blue Kite. Akin to the political struggles featured in the film, The Blue Kite is an important cinematic struggle against restrictive state interventions.