Movie Description
The final chapter of Hou Hsiao-Hsien's historical trilogy (which also includes A CITY OF SADNESS and THE PUPPETMASTER) stars Annie Shizuka Inoh in a dual role as real-life historical figure Chiang Bi-Yu (who was an anti-Japanese resistance fighter) and Liang Ching, an actress who is preparing to play her in a film. As Liang gets further involved in the role and the details of Chiang's tumultuous life (parts of which are shown throughout), she must also deal with the problems of her own life. Liang receives anonymous phone calls from someone who faxes her pages of her stolen diaries: pages that remind her of her troubled days as a drug-addicted barmaid, and the death of her lover, Ah Wei, a small-time crook killed by his business rivals. The film's narrative journeys through different time periods, lives, and realities, which serves to compare and contrast the past and present. Hou deftly handles the complicated narrative shifts through the use of bold color schemes, black and white footage, and lack of synchronous sound. A complex film that requires the viewer's active attention, GOOD MEN, GOOD WOMEN is an invigorating, satisfying cinematic experience that explores the meaning and importance of ideals, character, memory, and love.
| Credits | | Producer: | Ben Hsieh, Jian-Wen King, Katsuhiro Mizuno, Shozo Ichiyama | | Cast: | Annie Shizuka Inoh, Giong Lim, Jack Kao, Zhao Wei |
Notes
DVD Features:
Region 0
Keep Case
Widescreen - 1.85:1
Audio:
Stereo - Mandarin
Subtitles - English - Optional
Additional Release Materials:
Trailers - 1. FLOWERS OF SHANGHAI
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus
DVD-ROM Features:
Weblink, Theatrical Release: No U.S. release.
GOOD MEN, GOOD WOMEN was shot on location in Taiwan, and parts of mainland China.
GOOD MEN, GOOD WOMEN earned Hou Hsiao-Hsien Best Director honors at the 1996 Asia Pacific Film Festival.
The film is based on a play written by Chiang Bi-Yu, of her own experiences as an anti-Japanese resistence fighter.
Editorial Reviews
"...Haunting....Hou's multi-layered structure of illusion and reality is deadly serious..."
Film Comment - Harlan Kennedy (07/01/1995)
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