Director: Tian Zhuangzhuang
Script: Tian Zhuangzhuang, Jian Wen
Cinematographer: Zhao Fei
Editing: Qian Lengleng
Art Director: Yang Yuhe, Yao Qing
Sound: Wu Ning
Music: Mo Fan
Cast: Jian Wen, Liu Xiaoqing, Zhu Fan, Zhu Yu, Lin Wei
Production: Sky Films, Beijing Film Studio, China Film Corporation
Distribution:
MK2 Diffusion
55 rue Traversière
75012 Paris
France
Tel: 0033 1.44.67.30.81
Fax: 0033 1.43.44.20.18
www.mk2pro.com
Year: 1991
35 mm, Colour, 119 min,
OV Mandarin with French Subtitles
In China, early in 20th century, Li Lyanying, the most famous eunuch in the country, remembers the significant moments of his life, which was entirely dedicated to Empress Cixi. Compelled to escape misery, he was still very young when entered the Imperial Palace. He spent 52 years at the service of the Empress. Their lives are intertwined and he indeed played a decisive role at her side when a successor son had to be chosen after the decease of her son. He contributed to the education of the future Emperor; he followed her when shehad to leave the Forbidden City to escape the Boxers War. He is still at her side when the Empress is about to die.
Tian Zhuang Zhuang's film allows us to share the daily life of this man holding real power and great privileges, and it opens the doors of the Forbidden City to make us discover the life and role of eunuchs.
