The Opium War (film)
Encyclopedia
The Opium War is a 1997 Chinese historical epic film directed by Xie Jin
. The winner of the 1997 Golden Rooster
and 1998 Hundred Flowers Awards
for Best Picture, the film was screened in several international film festivals, notably Cannes
and Montreal. The film tells the story of the Opium War between China in the waning days of the Qing Dynasty
and the British Empire
, through the eyes of key figures like the fiercely nationalistic Lin Zexu
, and the British naval diplomat Charles Elliot
.
Unlike many of its contemporaries, The Opium War was strongly supported by the state apparatus. Despite its clear political message, many Western commentators found the treatment of the historical events to be generally even-handed.
At the time of its release, The Opium War, with a budget of US$15 million dollars, was the most expensive film produced in China. It was released to coincide with the Hong Kong handover ceremony in July 1997.
to China
), the film was generally well received by Western critics as workable example of the big-budget historical film. Variety
, in one review, begins with the fact that despite the film's "unashamedly political message," The Opium War was nevertheless "comparatively even-handed," while the film itself had excellent production values. The Guardian recognized that the film, despite its official backing, "was relatively nuanced," and praised the performance of Bob Peck
as the venal opium trader Denton.
The film's domestic release was also positive, with The Opium War eventually winning the Golden Rooster
for Best Film.
, Zhejiang
, a common filming site for historical films dubbed "Chinawood." In order to recreate the streets of 19th century Guangzhou
, nearly 120 construction teams from surrounding villages were assembled.
In contrast, nearly all post-production took place in Japan.
Xie Jin
Xie Jin was an important Chinese film director. He rose to prominence in 1957, directing the film Woman Basketball Player No. 5. Most recently he was known for the direction of The Opium War....
. The winner of the 1997 Golden Rooster
Golden Rooster Awards
China Golden Rooster Film Festival also known as Golden Rooster Awards are the most prestigious awards in film given in mainland China, equivalent the China's Academy Awards. The awards are given annually, beginning in 1981. The name of the award came from the year of the Rooster in 1981...
and 1998 Hundred Flowers Awards
Hundred Flowers Awards
The People's Hundred Flowers Film Festival or Hundred Flowers Awards, equivalent the China's Golden Globes, are considered, together with the Golden Rooster Awards, the most prestigious film awards in China...
for Best Picture, the film was screened in several international film festivals, notably Cannes
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes International Film Festival , is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films of all genres including documentaries from around the world. Founded in 1946, it is among the world's most prestigious and publicized film festivals...
and Montreal. The film tells the story of the Opium War between China in the waning days of the Qing Dynasty
Qing Dynasty
The Qing Dynasty was the last dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912 with a brief, abortive restoration in 1917. It was preceded by the Ming Dynasty and followed by the Republic of China....
and the British Empire
British Empire
The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom. It originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height, it was the...
, through the eyes of key figures like the fiercely nationalistic Lin Zexu
Lin Zexu
Lín Zéxú ; 30 August 1785 – 22 November 1850) was a Chinese scholar and official during the Qing Dynasty.He is most recognized for his conduct and his constant position on the "high moral ground" in his fight, as a "shepherd" of his people, against the opium trade in Guangzhou...
, and the British naval diplomat Charles Elliot
Charles Elliot
Sir Charles Elliot, KCB , was a British naval officer, diplomat, and colonial administrator. He became the first administrator of Hong Kong in 1841 while serving as both Plenipotentiary and Chief Superintendent of British Trade in China...
.
Unlike many of its contemporaries, The Opium War was strongly supported by the state apparatus. Despite its clear political message, many Western commentators found the treatment of the historical events to be generally even-handed.
At the time of its release, The Opium War, with a budget of US$15 million dollars, was the most expensive film produced in China. It was released to coincide with the Hong Kong handover ceremony in July 1997.
Cast
- Bao Guo'an as Lin ZexuLin ZexuLín Zéxú ; 30 August 1785 – 22 November 1850) was a Chinese scholar and official during the Qing Dynasty.He is most recognized for his conduct and his constant position on the "high moral ground" in his fight, as a "shepherd" of his people, against the opium trade in Guangzhou...
- Lin Liankun as Qishan
- Sihung LungSihung LungSihung Lung was an actor in the cinema of Taiwan who appeared in over 100 films and was best known for playing paternal roles in films including Eat Drink Man Woman and The Wedding Banquet...
as He Jingrong - Shao Xin as He Shanzi
- Su Min as Daoguang EmperorDaoguang EmperorThe Daoguang Emperor was the eighth emperor of the Manchurian Qing dynasty and the sixth Qing emperor to rule over China, from 1820 to 1850.-Early years:...
- Gao Yuan as Rong'er
- Bob PeckBob PeckBob Peck was an English stage, television and film actor.-Early life:He went to Leeds Modern School in Lawnswood...
as Denton - Simon WilliamsSimon Williams (actor)Simon Williams is an English actor known for playing James Bellamy in the period drama Upstairs, Downstairs. Frequently playing upper-class roles, he is also known for playing Dr...
as Charles ElliotCharles ElliotSir Charles Elliot, KCB , was a British naval officer, diplomat, and colonial administrator. He became the first administrator of Hong Kong in 1841 while serving as both Plenipotentiary and Chief Superintendent of British Trade in China... - Emma Griffiths as Mary Denton
- Philip JacksonPhilip Jackson (actor)Philip Jackson is an English actor, known for his many television and film roles, most notably as Chief Inspector Japp in the television series Poirot and as Abbot Hugo, one of the recurring adversaries in the cult 1980s series Robin of Sherwood. Jackson was born in Retford, Nottinghamshire...
as Captain White - Garrick HagonGarrick HagonGarrick Hagon is a film, stage, television and radio actor best known for his role as Biggs Darklighter in Star Wars: A New Hope. His many films include Batman, Spy Game, Me and Orson Welles and The Message...
as missionary - Robert Freeman as Hill
- Ko Hsiang-ting as Yi Shan
- Jiang Hua as Gan Tien-pei
- Yang Zhaoquan as blind musician
- Hung Hin-chu
- Liu Zhongyuan
- Gu Lan
- Yang Heping
Reception
Despite its clear political background (and its release on the eve of the return of Hong KongHong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
to China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
), the film was generally well received by Western critics as workable example of the big-budget historical film. Variety
Variety (magazine)
Variety is an American weekly entertainment-trade magazine founded in New York City, New York, in 1905 by Sime Silverman. With the rise of the importance of the motion-picture industry, Daily Variety, a daily edition based in Los Angeles, California, was founded by Silverman in 1933. In 1998, the...
, in one review, begins with the fact that despite the film's "unashamedly political message," The Opium War was nevertheless "comparatively even-handed," while the film itself had excellent production values. The Guardian recognized that the film, despite its official backing, "was relatively nuanced," and praised the performance of Bob Peck
Bob Peck
Bob Peck was an English stage, television and film actor.-Early life:He went to Leeds Modern School in Lawnswood...
as the venal opium trader Denton.
The film's domestic release was also positive, with The Opium War eventually winning the Golden Rooster
Golden Rooster Awards
China Golden Rooster Film Festival also known as Golden Rooster Awards are the most prestigious awards in film given in mainland China, equivalent the China's Academy Awards. The awards are given annually, beginning in 1981. The name of the award came from the year of the Rooster in 1981...
for Best Film.
Production
The film was shot in Hengdian World StudiosHengdian World Studios
Hengdian World Studios is the largest film studio in the world. It is located in Hengdian, a town in the city of Dongyang in Zhejiang Province. The movie studio is operated by the privately-owned Hengdian Group founded by a farmer turned millionaire Xu Wenrong. Sometimes called "Chinawood", Xu...
, Zhejiang
Zhejiang
Zhejiang is an eastern coastal province of the People's Republic of China. The word Zhejiang was the old name of the Qiantang River, which passes through Hangzhou, the provincial capital...
, a common filming site for historical films dubbed "Chinawood." In order to recreate the streets of 19th century Guangzhou
Guangzhou
Guangzhou , known historically as Canton or Kwangchow, is the capital and largest city of the Guangdong province in the People's Republic of China. Located in southern China on the Pearl River, about north-northwest of Hong Kong, Guangzhou is a key national transportation hub and trading port...
, nearly 120 construction teams from surrounding villages were assembled.
In contrast, nearly all post-production took place in Japan.
External links
- The Opium War at the Chinese Movie Database