Film Movement has undertaken the task of restoring the Chinese classic, Farewell My Concubine, to its original unedited 171-minute cut, which had lost 20 minutes when presented to American audiences three decades ago. Disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein, known for his unilateral decisions in cutting parts of international films bought by American producers, also meddled with this movie. However, despite his actions, some cinema classics like Farewell My Concubine are now getting the chance to be revisited and presented as intended.
The film, directed by Kaige Chen, holds a significant place in cinematic history, having won the Palme D’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1993, making it the only Chinese film to receive this prestigious award. The storyline spans 50 years, exploring cultural changes that challenged gender traditions in early 20th century China, a theme still relevant today.
Film lovers in New York will have a unique opportunity to celebrate Farewell My Concubine’s 30th anniversary with the 4K restored version on the big screen in September. Film Movement’s president, Michael Rosenberg, praised the film’s legacy and how the restoration brings Kaige’s original vision to life, showcasing the elaborate sets, costumes, and the unedited storytelling.
Accompanying the restoration is a new poster that captures the film’s essence and highlights the main cast’s names, including Gong Li, Leslie Cheung, and Fengyi Zhang. The film will be shown at Film Forum in New York City, promising an enhanced cinematic experience for audiences, paying homage to the enduring influence of this masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Restoration
What is Farewell My Concubine?
Farewell My Concubine is a Chinese classic film directed by Kaige Chen. It explores cultural changes and challenges to gender traditions in early 20th century China.
How long was the original cut of Farewell My Concubine?
The original cut of Farewell My Concubine was 171 minutes long.
Who cut parts of Farewell My Concubine for American audiences?
Disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein had the power to cut parts of Farewell My Concubine without any input from others when it was brought to American audiences.
Why was Farewell My Concubine restored?
Film Movement decided to restore Farewell My Concubine to its original unedited version, as it had lost 20 minutes of footage when presented to American audiences 30 years ago.
Where can I watch the restored version of Farewell My Concubine?
The 30th-anniversary restoration of Farewell My Concubine will be screened at Film Forum in New York City in September.
More about Restoration
- Farewell My Concubine 4K Restoration Trailer: Watch here
- Cannes Film Festival: Official website
- Film Movement: Official website
- Film Forum, New York City: Visit here
- Harvey Weinstein Controversy: Read more
