Patriot Frames: A Proper Gander at Upcoming Films

Since the founding of this great nation, the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT) has presented China’s citizens with inspirational tales of its history and moral code through film. The patriotic film has come a long way since 1949. “The portrayal of characters has become more well-rounded and dimensional, rather than having one communal face,” says Zhang Yong, a screenwriter and director for CCTV-10.

From the mid-’50s until the mid-’80s, the government-owned China Film Group made all of China’s propaganda films. Starting in the mid-’90s, SARFT began to commission private companies to create films on a particular topic.

In anticipation of the CCP’s 60th anniversary, SARFT commissioned the production of over 50 “main melody” (i.e. state-recommended) films. The cream of the crop will be taking over screens at every theater near you, from mid-September onwards.

The one to watch is undoubtedly Jianguo Daye, a rousing, historical birth-of-the-nation epic that premiered on September 17. The film is sure to be absolutely stunning, as over 100 of China’s biggest stars had the privilege of serving their country cinematically, comprising what its own producers have called “the most powerful lineup in the history of Chinese film.”

The lineup itself demonstrates the strong patriotism China ignites in its people. Many of its stars are technically citizens of other countries – including Chen Kaige, Chen Hong, Wu Junmei, Ning Jing (US); Jet Li (Singapore); Jiang Wen (France); and Xu Qing (Japan) – but when asked by the CCP to participate in such an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, there was simply no Chinese star, regardless of citizenship, who could refuse.

But that’s just one movie – there are plenty more to be had. If any film stands to present a box office threat to Jianguo Daye, it’s sure to be the October 1st arrival of Feng Sheng (The Message). This spy thriller, starring A-listers Zhou Xun, Li Bingbing, and Zhang Hanyu, brings to light the undercover operations of the Communist Party - surely something that many people would love to see.

Another highlight is Tiananmen, which opened early on September 3, and gives the historic square, one of the cornerstones of China’s identity, the tribute and recognition it has long deserved. Directed by Ye Daying, the film presents an inspiring view of how people decorated the square in preparation for the PRC founding ceremony 60 years ago. The film serves as a kind of countdown to this year’s National Day extravaganza, set to once again bring an absolutely heartstopping experience to the heart of the city.

The three films above are the “must-see” box office hits of the anniversary, but viewers will have plenty to choose from when it comes to October cinema selection – there’s still 47 more celebratory “main melody” films! If you are looking for something just a little bit different, check out Jingtian Dongdi, a film about the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake that was shot on location in Sichuan last fall. There are also biopics like Wang Jinxi (Iron Man), a tale of a model worker who helped dig the Daqing Oilfield, and Deng Jiaxian, which honors a leading scientist of China’s nuclear weapons program.

All of these films are absolutely guaranteed to be huge box office successes; to help attendance, ticket vouchers good for a RMB 10 entry were given to anyone who bought a movie ticket between September 1-20. But SARFT wants to ensure that it isn’t just the wealthy who are given the privilege of viewing these films. “We will hold special screenings for orphans, children of migrant workers, and model workers from August 30,” said an official from SARFT. “We hope all residents are able to share the achievements of China’s film industry during the past 60 years.”