闪闪的红星! - Sparkling Red Star!
Saturday night we returned from our daytrip to Shanghai exhuasted and sticky, laden down with scores of tiny shopping bags and empty wrappers. Everyone immediately headed to their rooms for some well-deserved rest.
I, however, absently turned on the TV and immediately had the good fortune of discovering both the elusive CCTV9 (programming in English) AND a little gem of a film called 闪闪的红星 (shan shan de hong xing). This translates roughly as, I think, Sparkling Red Star.
Apparently, 闪闪的红星 was a widely-viewed Communist film from the 1970s…Wendy said she had watched it numerous times growing up and that it was very popular in her area…it roughly tells the story of a family’s introduction and participation within the CCP through the eyes of a very young boy (I think he’s 12 years old through most of the film)...he is also the adult narrator of the film, reflecting on his youth…it was actually very, very interesting. Graham and I watched it from beginning to end and I was inspired to go in search of other Communist cinematic masterpieces.
You can actually watch it yourselves from the following link:
http://www.56.com/u37/v_MjkzODY1NzA.html
It’s such a different perspective from what I’m familiar with, I found it highly fascinating. Take a look and let me know what you think.
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Good to hear from you! I will watch the film on a rainy day. Would be interesting to hear Wendy’s “take” on the film. Love you.
Wendy said it was incredibly popular and that she remembers watching it as a child…I’ve been trying to get her to put out a course prospectus on Communist Cinema, and I hope she takes me up on the suggestion…I’d take that class in a heartbeat…
Interesting, you American guys would feel inspired for the
Communist cinematic masterpieces. I am surprised maybe I am grown up with such stuff.
I’m going to have to watch that soon. I need that kind of thing :) There are some great Soviet era films like that as well. Good to hear from you. Take care and talk to you soon.
Ooo I loved all of your pictures. The food vendors on the street looked so interesting. It’s great to see things that I’ve encountered in our stores here prepared and served in the manner they’re meant to be… not just slapping it in the microwave like I do. . And HI! Hope you discover more awesome things.
You?ve done a wonderful job capturing in photos and words experiences that most can only imagine. Keep up the great work?Ryan departs Wednesday. All here are very proud of your accomplishments and want to see and hear more.
Hey Erin, nice pics! It is really beautiful there… : ) Looks like you guys are having a blast.
Mom said you can’t access your e-mail right now. She just called me a few minutes ago and wanted me to have you call her cell phone, collect, as soon as you get this : )
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