Dazzling

Colour, 35mm
China, 2001, 82 min
Section: Another View

Synopsis

This film concerns love and its various forms, as well as the intersection of the world of film and reality. And where does it all start? Where else? In a movie theatre. The protagonist of the movie, cinema usher Wu Gang, suffers from insomnia and dreads exposing his eyes to direct sunlight. That’s why he feels so safe at the movies. Moreover, he’s not only able to take in all that happens on the screen but everything that takes place among the patrons as well. Wu Gang believes that he is the only one able to see what angels see – a red star on the foreheads of those who are in love. According to Wu Gang, angels must first collect these stars and only then can they return to heaven. Wu Gang meets a girl one evening and they decide to meet again the next day in the park. It’s a beautiful winter’s day and while waiting for the girl Wu Gang witnesses various love stories “starring” the patrons who frequent the cinema where he works. The last of these seven stories involves Wu Gang himself, but he’s still waiting for the girl to show up.... The film, whose original camerawork betrays the director’s familiarity with shooting commercials, was screened at this year’s Berlinale.

About the director

Xin Lee (b. 1969, Shanghai) was born into a family of filmmakers, including a father and sister who also direct. In 1987-91 he studied at Beijing Film Academy. Beginning in 1992 he directed commercials for leading Chinese and international brands. His feature debut was Your Black Hair and My Hand (1995). Dazzling (2001) is his second film.