Learn Chinese through Chinese Movie- Sept. 2012
-大 腕 “Big Shot's Funeral”
" Big Shot's Funeral "大 腕( in pinyin: Dàwàn)
WHEN A FILM DIRECTOR SUDDENLY HAS CREATIVE BLOCK ON SET,
HE'S SACKED. TYLER TURNS TO A CAMERAMAN, YOYO, TO ASK HIM
TO ARRANGE A 'COMEDY FUNERAL' SO THAT PEOPLE FEEL HAPPY.
TYLER SLIPS INTO A COMA SO YOYO BEGINS TO ARRANGE THE FUNERAL,
BUT COSTS ESCALATE. YOYO'S BRIGHT IDEA IS TO SELL AD SPACE FOR
THE FUNERAL TO BE TELEVISED WORLDWIDE - WHICH, HE HAS TO PERSUADE
TYLER'S ASSISTANT, IS NOT PURELY FOR MERCENARY MOTIVES... SATIRIC
COMEDY SET IN MODERN DAY CHINA.
Written by Li Xiaoming, Shi Kang, Feng Xiaogang
Starring: Ge You, Rosamund Kwan, Donald Sutherland, Paul Mazursky, Ying Da
Cinematography: Zhang Li
Distributed by Columbia Tristar
Release date(s): Dec. 21, 2001
Country: China
Language: Mandarin
World-famous director Don Tyler (Donald Sutherland) is shooting a film in China’s
Forbidden City when he suddenly loses the ability to direct. Tossed off by his studio
boss (Paul Mazursky), he is nonetheless revived by an unlikely friendship with a
cameraman, YoYo (You Ge). The director’s melancholia turns darkly serious when
he falls into a coma, and it turns out his last wish was that YoYo give him a wacky
“comedy funeral” to prepare him for Buddhist reincarnation.
When the costs of the spectacular event spin wildly out of control, YoYo decides to
televise it worldwide and auction off advertising space and sponsorships to big companies.
With the help of Tyler’s lovely assistant, Lucy (Rosamund Kwan), YoYo prepares for the
extravaganza...but is Tyler getting better?Directed by Feng Xiaogang
