English Title:
The Grand Substitution
Chinese Pinyin:
Wan Gu Liu Fang
Starring:
Li Li Hua, Ivy Ling Po, Yan Jun
Rating:
|
Summary
History repeated itself throughout the different ruling periods in China. From one dynasty to the next, there were at least one villian and one loyal subject serving the so-called "Emperor." There was the battle between Cao Cao and Guan Yu during The Three Kingdoms period. Then later serving the Song dynasty, Justice Bao faced and went against many corrupted officials. One would question, why did things happen this way? Perhaps it's to keep the scale of nature in balance.
The film "The Grand Substitution" is based on this same concept. In this film, the Emperor is an airheaded individual who can't differentiate between right and wrong. His recreant personality paves ways for the malicious official, Tu An Ku, to behead 300 members of the Prime Minister's household, including the eldest son who is married to the Emperor's sister (Li Li Hua). Given that she is of royal blood, the execution does not apply to her. Thus, leaving the only offspring to avenge for the family in years to come.
300 lives were put to death without anyone questioning the genuine of such order. While it may seem out of character for people growing up in a modernized society, this was often the cause of death for many loyal subjects during the old time. According to the wise men's teaching, the right thing is always to follow a leader's order despite how unreasonable it may seem. One can see that these individuals lived by such concept and took it to heart the saying: "A subject who refuses to fulfill a death order by a sovereign is not a loyal follower."
 Another example of "loyality" in this movie is presented by the character Ching Yin. After the Princess gives birth, Ching risks his life and takes the baby boy away from the forbidden palace for safekeeping. Then standing by his promise, he gives up the life of his only child to save the royal baby from being executed by Tu. Such action leads one to question the difference between loyality and stupidity. Loyality is an honorable thing, but how far should one go to maintain such character and when should one draw the line?
For the next 15 years, Ching raises this kid as if he were his own and named him Ching Wu (Ling Po). Days and nights, Ching lives by one mission - waiting for the right moment to tell Ching Wu about the family foe. When Wu learns the truth about number of deaths from his family, he did not hesitate to take revenge. He is then reunited with his birth mother as Ching Yin bids his farewell to return home. Sacrificed nearly his entire life and family happiness to fight for what he believes as righteousness, yet asking for nothing in return. One must question what right has been done for him?
Review
"The Grand Substitution" is a beautiful film with one strong cast. Li Li Hua, Ivy Ling Po, and Yan Jun did an outstanding job in their roles. Yan Jun had done a great job directing this film. As for Ivy, she was great in portaiting a 15 years old boy - a role that had earned her "The Most Talented Artist" award at the 12th Asian Film Festival. However, Ling Po's ontime screen in this film is approximately 25-30 minutes. A little too short for me, I was hoping for at least a 45 minute performance similar to "Vermilion Door."
DVD Information
This movie had been re-released by Celestial Pictures Limited in May 2003 and is avaliable for purchase online. Refer to the "Resources" section for more information on retailers.
Picture: Excellent
Sound: Very Good
DVD Code: Region 3
Running Time: 94 minutes
|
|