Academy films
tell Chinese tales
Two Chinese films will be screened this month and next at the Doris Duke at the Academy theater through a collaboration of the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Hawaii Chinese Civic Association, China Century Entertainment and the People's Republic of China.
Tickets are $5 general and $3 for academy members, available a half-hour prior to each screening.
The films are:
"Journey to the Western Xia Empire" (1997): In ancient China a "blood tax" was sometimes taken in the form of human life. Soldiers are sent by the emperor to a village to collect 10 male babies to be trained as warriors. After her son is born and taken, a woman unexpectedly follows the soldiers through adversity and distant landscapes to care for her son. Winner of prizes in Switzerland, China and Turkey. Directed by Lu Wei. In Mandarin with English subtitles. Screens at 4 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, and 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday.
"Saga of Mulan" (1994): Americans are familiar with the animated Disney feature "Mulan," based on one of China's most famous legends. Here is a Chinese version, a lavish Beijing opera production designed for film. It has been noted for its costumes and sets, choreographed martial arts battle sequences and highly stylized performances. Winner of best-musical awards in China. Directed by Xiao Lang and Qiu Lili. In Mandarin with English subtitles. Screens at 4 p.m. June 1, 7:30 p.m. June 2 and 3, and 1 p.m. June 4.
Parking is $1 with validation at the Academy Art Center lot. Handicapped parking is available at the small lot on Victoria Street. For information call 532-8768.
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