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Starring
:
Zhang
Yimou
Gong
Li
Yu
Wing Gong
Action
:
Andy
Ma
Producer
:
Hou
Pou Chu
Mu
Zhu
Director
:
Ching
Siu Tung
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A
TERRACOTTA WARRIOR (1989)
A.K.A.
- Terra-Cotta Warriors
Reviewed
by Andrew Saroch
While
Ching Siu Tung is enjoying adulation for his choreography on
films like 'Hero'
and, more recently, 'House
Of Flying Daggers', it is unfortunate that he is rarely
seen behind the lens these days. The oft-mentioned, but
virtually impossible to obtain 'A Terracotta Warrior' is an
example of just what Hong Kong cinema is missing while Ching
continues to shun directorial responsibilities.
An
audacious assassination attempt on the Emperor is thwarted by
mild-mannered, but highly-skilled soldier Tian (Yimou) who is
subsequently rewarded with the opportunity of a significant
promotion. Now among his majesty's most trusted protectors,
Tian is asked to lead an expedition into unknown territory in
an attempt to find the secret of immortality for the Emperor.
The sage who accompanies the band is also close to completing
his own version of the supposedly mythical pill that will
grant its taker eternal life, but he keeps his discovery a
secret until the necessary experiment has been conducted. As
the journey trudges along, Tian encounters beautiful young
slave Winter (Li) and, against his stoic nature, begins to
fall in love with her. Their love, however, is forbidden by
the Emperor who, on discovering this romance, decrees that
both Tian and Winter be executed. Tian is given a temporary
reprieve and given the 'privilege' of becoming one of the
terracotta warriors who will be entombed in the Emperor's
mausoleum. Moments before he is sent away, Tian is fed the
immortality pill by his lover who subsequently meets a fiery
end. Tian remains encased in terracotta until the 1930s when
his enforced slumber is disturbed by the crashed aeroplane of
desperate actress Lily Chu (Li). The 'terracotta warrior' now
comes to the defence of Lily - who he believes is his lost
love Winter - as she fends off a gang of art thieves led by a
suave actor (Yu).
Ching
Siu Tung was quoted as saying that 'A Terracotta Warrior' drew
on inspirations from Kurosawa to Spielberg and this is clear
to see: the film starts off with an epic grandeur that recalls
'Ran' and 'Throne Of Blood' only to switch to a
pseudo-'Indiana Jones' adventure in the second half. If this
sounds like a criticism, it's certainly not intended as one
for 'A Terracotta Warrior' is a brash mixture of gentle
comedy, swashbuckling action and touching romance that moves
along with splendid confidence. While many lesser film-makers
would struggle with such lofty aspirations, Ching glides
effortlessly through a plethora of sub-genres, moods and
tones, eventually creating a blend that is hugely satisfying.
As with his much loved 'A
Chinese Ghost Story', the director is able to switch from
a moment of genuine pathos to a rousing action sequence and
end the moment with an amusing twist - few directors working
in Hong Kong, perhaps anywhere, have achieved this as
triumphantly.
'A
Terracotta Warrior' affords viewers the rare opportunity of
seeing Zhang Yimou in front of the lens and, while there's
little doubt as to where his strengths lie, he manages
reasonably well. Yimou is emotionally cold and gives way to
few emotions, preferring to adopt stoic pose through most of
the film. Nevertheless, rightly or wrongly, this proves to be
to the productions advantage as his character is intentionally
laconic and pensive. The few romantic scenes between Zhang and
the sumptuous Gong Li are expectedly powerful, though, as the
two were linked off-screen for a number of years. The moments
of heartache between the lovers does have an air of realism to
it that makes the lead characters immensely empathetic
throughout.
If
Ching Siu Tung's work here is lacking in any one area, it must
surely be in its duration. Few films are too short, but for
all of the complexities of the plot 'A Terracotta Warrior'
would have benefited from being slightly longer. Another
answer would've been to edit the slower early scenes and
re-invest the time in the 1930s set storyline, perhaps playing
a bit more on Tian's acclimatisation to his new environment.
Nevertheless, in Ching Siu Tung's capable hands, 'A Terracotta
Warrior' becomes a journey that the audience is delighted to
undertake with the director. Bathing various scenes with the
visual potency that alludes to Tsui Hark and with a rousing
soundtrack at his disposal, Ching Siu Tung unleashes a minor
epic that is highly recommended. The only sad note is that
there are no immediate plans for him to return to his grand
work as a director - let's hope the right offer comes along to
change his mind.
Rating:
 
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