Description
Book SynopsisAfter graduating from the Beijing Film Academy in 1982, directors like Chen Kaige and Zhang Yimou revolutionized Chinese cinema with Red Sorghum, Farewell My Concubine, Yellow Earth, Raise the Red Lantern, and other international successes. This title tells the story of this class of 1982, China's famous "Fifth Generation" of filmmakers.
Trade Review“Ni Zhen was himself one of the educators of the Fifth Generation, so he has been able to give a full and accurate account of what happened then on the basis of his own first-hand evidence. He also gives a detailed scholarly analysis of the origins of the Fifth Generation and the particular conditions that produced this art movement. Reading his book not only gave me intellectual pleasure, but also took me back to those unforgettable times.”—Chen Kaige, director of
Farewell My Concubine and
Yellow Earth“Memoirs from the Beijing Film Academy: The Origins of China’s Fifth Generation Filmmakers brings back memories for me. It tells the true story of how I moved from ignorance to full maturity along with a group of my peers. Everyone faces challenges of some sort in their youth. They become life’s most beautiful memories. That means this is not just a book about film, but also a book about human life. Once youth is over it never returns, and so we treasure it in our hearts. Thank you, Professor Ni Zhen, for writing this inspiring book.”—Zhang Yimou, director of
Raise the Red Lantern,
Ju Dou, and
Not One LessTable of ContentsTable of Contents
Translator’s Introduction vii
Preface to the English Edition xiii
1. Admission 1
2. Noses to the Grindstone 51
3. First Steps 113
4. Graduation 147
Postscript 192
Character List for Chinese Names 201
Chinese Film Title List 207
Notes 213
Index 225
