The Blue Kite

 

   "The Blue Kite" (1993), directed by Tian Zhuangzhuang, is a poignant Chinese drama that provides an intimate portrayal of life in Beijing during the tumultuous 1950s and 1960s under the Maoist regime. The film tells the story of Tietou, a young boy, and his family as they endure the hardships of political upheavals that shape their lives. The narrative unfolds through Tietou’s eyes, following three stages in his childhood as his family encounters the effects of the Hundred Flowers Campaign, the Great Leap Forward, and the Cultural Revolution. Each regime change brings turmoil and disruption to their lives, revealing the impact of political policies on individual families.

   Tietou’s mother, Shujuan, marries three times, each husband succumbing in different ways to the state's oppressive policies. His first father, Shaolong, is a devoted Communist Party member but falls victim to accusations of disloyalty, while his subsequent father figures also suffer under the state’s ever-tightening grip. Through these relationships, the film reflects the resilience of individuals amid national upheaval. The titular blue kite, which Tietou plays with throughout his childhood, becomes a symbol of hope and resilience, despite the bleakness of the family's circumstances.

   "The Blue Kite" was initially banned in China due to its critical portrayal of Communist policies. Despite this, it became an acclaimed piece in international cinema, highlighting the human toll of political systems on everyday lives. The film’s careful, emotionally charged storytelling provides a vivid, personal glimpse into Chinese history through the perspective of one ordinary family.

Plot Highlights

   The story unfolds through Tietou's experiences as he grows up amidst political turmoil. Each section of the film is marked by his mother’s marriages, starting with his biological father, who dies following political imprisonment during the Hundred Flowers Campaign. The family endures the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, with each new father figure succumbing in various ways to government pressures and policies. Tietou watches as each man is taken away by the state, with each loss leaving an indelible impact on him. The family’s challenges reach a heartbreaking climax, capturing the enduring impact of an authoritarian state on individual lives.

Theme

   The primary theme of "The Blue Kite" is "the devastating impact of authoritarian policies on the lives of ordinary people." The film explores how political campaigns, ostensibly designed for progress, create endless suffering for individuals who are powerless in the face of the state. Another theme is "the resilience of family bonds amid adversity, as Tietou and his mother find ways to maintain hope, symbolized by the blue kite, despite repeated tragedies. The film also reflects on "the loss of innocence", showing how children like Tietou are forced to confront harsh realities and sacrifices far beyond their years due to the political climate.

Character Analysis

   Tietou: Tietou, the young protagonist, represents the loss of innocence as he grows up witnessing and enduring the suffering inflicted on his family by the state. Despite his hardships, he shows resilience and embodies the hope symbolized by his blue kite, representing the endurance of the human spirit.

   Shujuan (Lu Liping): Tietou’s mother, Shujuan, is a determined woman who bears the brunt of each political upheaval as she struggles to protect her family. Her three marriages, each ending in tragedy due to political policies, reflect her perseverance in the face of endless challenges and embody the sacrifices women often made during these difficult times.

   Shaolong (Pu Cunxin)**: Tietou’s biological father, Shaolong, initially believes in Communist ideals but is betrayed by the very system he supported. His unjust imprisonment and death illustrate the ruthlessness of authoritarian policies and serve as a turning point for the family’s struggles.

   Shujuan’s Other Husbands: Each husband embodies different facets of loyalty, dissent, and fear under the state’s watch. Their fates highlight the inability of individuals to escape the state’s influence, demonstrating how authoritarian regimes target and destroy the lives of those who attempt to survive under its control.

Reception and Impact

   "The Blue Kite" garnered critical acclaim internationally for its powerful critique of Maoist China, though it was banned in China due to its politically sensitive subject matter. The film received awards at several international film festivals, where it was praised for its unflinching portrayal of the social costs of authoritarianism and the intimate storytelling approach taken by Tian Zhuangzhuang. Its realistic depiction of the impact of political policies on ordinary families influenced other Chinese filmmakers and continues to be an important work in global cinema.

   The film’s success cemented "The Blue Kite" as a significant, brave work of art, with many critics considering it a landmark in Chinese cinema. Its exploration of personal suffering within the political context offered global audiences a unique glimpse into an era often obscured from public view. The film remains a profound study of resilience and is celebrated for its historical significance, as well as its emotionally stirring narrative and delicate cinematography.

Click here for full movie link.