[PIFF] REVIEW - Zhang Yimou's "Under the Hawthorn Tree"

A scene from Zhang Yimou film "Under the Hawthorn Tree" [Courtesy of Pusan International Film Festival]

The hand that hesitantly draws closer to the other person. The hand that embarrassedly receives a piece of worthless candy. The hands that inches closer to each other with every step. And the hands that finally hold together. Holding hands is almost the only way the lovers in "Under the Hawthorn Tree," the opening film of the 15th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF), express their affection for each other. And that is how Jing Qiu (played by Zhou Dongyou) and Lao Shan (Dou Xiao) end up "having eternal life" -- without a passionate confession and bodily chemistry.

Entering the 21st century, director Zhang Yimou had presented audiences with a sequence of blockbusters such as "Hero" and "Curse of the Golden Flower," as well as directing the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. But when he suddenly said he will visit PIFF with small-budget "Hawthorn" starring new actors, many probably recalled his earlier works. And they may have thought he is returning to the days when he depicts on the pain people suffered during certain eras by portraying the lives of average people like he did in "Not One Less" or "The Road Home." But "Hawthorn" was similar to, yet unlike such works. Zhang talks about common again but his sole interest is love. And the movie is set during the Cultural Revolution but it focuses on the first love between Jing Qiu and Lao Shan rather than the historical turmoil. Just like how the Hawthorn tree, which is dubbed the 'Hero tree' just because it was on the ferocious battlefield during the Second Sino-Japanese War, turn into the keepsake of their heartbreaking love toward the end of the movie.

Jing Qiu falls in love with Lao Shan whom she meets while in the countryside to learn about farming. The two continue to meet each other after falling in love at first sight but Jing Qiu is cautious about everything. It is because Jing Qiu, whose family has gained bad reputation, could have a hard time finding a job if she is found to be dating a man freely. But the two's secret relationship becomes known after a year and Lao Shan leaves Jing Qiu after he falls ill with leukemia. A heartbreaking parting with your first love over an incurable disease! Such stories are now easily criticized as being 'tear-jerkers' and have been made again and again in romantic novels, dramas and teen flicks. However, "Hawthorn" contains precious moments, not the obvious cliches, that Zhang has put in so much care into presenting in the film. That moment which is more beautiful because what is important has passed and will never come back. After witnessing a love which has just started to bloom, weak enough to end over a trivial misunderstanding, yet also strong enough to delay death, all that could be done was to search for a handkerchief. It was not expected at all. That such tears would be shed over the opening film of PIFF, over the story of two lovers who break apart because of an incurable illness.

Reporter : Lee Ji-Hye seven@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@