A Soul Haunted by Painting

Starring:Li Gong, Fang Cen, Shichang Da, Er Dongsheng, Zunxia Gao, Shen Hairong, Zhou Shaodong, Sabine Bail, Zhao Wei, Zhang Qiongzi
Director: Shuqin Huang
Studio: Knight
Product Type: DVD

Description

The mesmerizing Gong Li stars in this true story of a Chinese painter, Pan Yuliang (Gong Li), whose work was celebrated in Paris yet rejected at home. At fifteen years old, she was sold into prostitution. Her life changes when she marries with a high official. Through her husband, she finds expression in western painting, and furthers her studies in Paris. Although internationally acclaimed as an artist, her past always continued to haunt her at home in China; and it was only after her death that she finally received the acceptance she so desperately sought.

Customer Reviews:

Lesser Known , but no less Laudable.......2005-07-25

"A Soul Haunted by Painting" starring the incomparable Gong Li is one of her lesser publicized efforts, but no less commendable performances as the chinese painter, Pan Yuliang, whose work was largely rejected in China due to its nude content, but adored in Paris, where she ultimately studies and resides. The film follows the arc of her tortured existence, from being sold into prostitution as a teen, to her life as a minor wife of a Chinese Diplomat, to ultimately being posthumously regarded as one of the greatest painters of Chinese descent.

The detractions however, are not with this film, but with the quality of this DVD's release, which almost seems to be a copy, of a copy, of a print. Perhaps in some ways not even Gong Li's wonderful career and performance can save Pan Yuliang from what appears to be a continuos disregard, and minimalizing of her abilities and significance. The puzzling quality of this release in this day and age, is most assuredly no mistake.

"I threw myself into a sea of art.".......2005-05-23

The Chinese film, "A Soul Haunted By Painting" begins in the early twentieth century. It's the true story of a beautiful prostitute, Yuliang (Gong Li) who breaks free of a brothel and becomes a famous artist when she runs off with the liberal, educated married businessman Pan Zanhua (Er Dongsheng). At first Pan, a customs official, takes Yuliang with him planning on freeing her by sending her back home. Thanks to gossip, plus a mutual attraction, Pan makes Yuliang his second wife and even teaches her how to read.

When Pan goes off on a "business trip" (we see one scene of Pan dressed in uniform mounted on a horse), he leaves Yuliang with an artist friend. Yuliang is drawn to art, and while Pan is away, she begins painting--and this begins her life long obsession and solace.

The film concentrates on showing that Yuliang made many sacrifices in order to be an artist. Painting nudes was completely unacceptable in China, and Yuliang, unable to give Pan a child, chooses to leave China and embark for France. Pursuing art in Paris establishes Yuliang as a major talent, but fame and recognition does not bring Yuliang personal happiness.

"A Soul Haunted by Painting" succeeds in some details more than others. For example, the scenes of the brutality of brothel life, and the interactions between Yuliang and Pan's first wife are exceeding well done. However, when the film stretches to reach the category of sweeping epic, it falls short. For example, Pan's "business trip" and Yuliang's adjustment to Parisian life are never explained.

The film quality lacks the sharpness one expects from a DVD release--although the picture's quality is certainly acceptable. Yuliang's story is a grand one--full of struggle, determination, and defiance. But somehow the film loses all that, and it remains rather pedestrian fare. For fans of Chinese cinema, art history, or fans of the delectable Gong Li, however, the film is worth renting just for the visuals alone--displacedhuman.

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