[PIFF] Zhang Yimou goes back to basics in "Hawthorn"

Chinese director Zhang Yimou speaks during a press conference after the 15th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) screening of film "Under the Hawthorn Tree" held at CGV Centum City in Busan, South Korea on October 7, 2010. [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]

China's top filmmaker Zhang Yimou, best known for his use of vibrant colors and dazzling action beats, has gone back to basics with his latest film "Under the Hawthorn Tree."

The film, opening this year's Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) and making its international premiere, contained subtle hues, controlled movement and little dialogue, characteristics observed more often in his earlier works.

And while his turn to his humble style has been questioned, particularly after the commercial success of his large projects such as "House of Flying Daggers" and "Hero," Zhang said he opted to create the online novel into a movie simply for its moving storyline.

"I read the novel after hearing of this very moving story and I just felt that I should make it into a film...... I thought it would be great as a film," Zhang explained on Thursday after the film's screening ahead of the PIFF's official opening ceremony later in the day.

He also said that his first-hand experience with China's Cultural Revolution during his late teens was a "tragic memory" but that it was meant to serve merely as the background to the love story between Jing Qui and Lao Shan.

Jing Qiu, played by ballet dancer-turned-actress Zhou Dongyou, comes across Lao Shan, played by Canadian-raised actor Dou Xiao, when she is sent to the countryside to be 're-educated' under Mao Zedong's Communist policies.

Jing Qiu struggles between love and duty when she falls in love with Zhou Dongyou yet support and protect her family after her father is politically persecuted.

The film, which has been seeing strong box office sales in China since its premiere in September, will be screened at the PIFF running from October 7 to 15 this year.

Reporter : Jessica Kim jesskim@
Photographer : Chae ki-won ten@