The Great Sage: Confucius Comes to a Theater Near You

Confucius, the latest blockbuster ordered up in celebration of China’s 60th, presents Chow Yun-fat as … well, you know who. In addition to partying extra hard for the sage’s 2560th birthday, please notice that the film is another step in the government’s promotion of Kongzi as a symbol of Chinese culture. (Think “Confucius Institute,” the state-sponsored academy that has branched out from Beijing to 88 countries and regions across the globe.) Of course, the great sage as a figurehead for contemporary Chinese society isn’t at all far-fetched. Much of Confucius’s legacy is quite relevant to modern life.

Consider, for example, that Confucian tenets embrace the introduction of new ideas as important and beneficial to society, yet also advise not to lose the old flavah – the superior man “cherishes his old knowledge, and is continually acquiring new.” Now, that speaks directly to the point, I’d say.

Confucius further espoused many of the central principles driving China’s growth. “Is it not pleasant to learn with a constant perseverance and application? Is it not delightful to have friends coming from distant quarters?” If only the slogan banners outside 7-11 were so eloquent. And I’m sure there’s no need to mention the link between Confucian-based imperial exams and the gaokao.

Confucianism even provides a set of ethical values for modern-day life, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal relationships and focusing on proper conduct. Indeed Chow lost four kilograms while dieting prior to shooting, so the movie has already exhibited positive impact on a small scale.

The film portrays Confucius in his elder years, from the age of 50 onwards. As the sage himself claims, “At fifty, I knew the decrees of Heaven,” this seems like a good place to start. Additionally, expect Zhou Xun, starring as Confucius’s love interest, to bring an interesting twist. Confucius did state, “I have yet to meet the person who is fonder of excellence than physical beauty.”

Chow’s notoriously luxurious accommodation during filming has proven among the film’s most controversial aspects to date, receiving much scrutiny in Chinese coverage. In English-language media, however, most actual content has been overshadowed by “Confucius say” jokes. As in, “Confucius say: ‘Man who stand on toilet is high on pot.’” Here in China, man who stand on toilet is probably just in a Western shopping mall for the first time. I wonder what Kongzi would say to that.

Confucius is playing at theaters across town.