The Power of True Feelings in The King of Masks

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" The world is a cold place but we can bring warmth to it".
-- The quote from one the of characters Master Liang pinpoints a key theme in Wu Tianming 's movie The King of Masks, that is, the power of the true feelings in times of oppression and inequality. Wu Tianming is a representative of Chinese fourth generation filmmakers, who are known for a simple, natural and realistic way of storytelling as well as their thematic exploration of human nature and meaning of life . Masks is Wu's academic-winning work through which we can see his philosophy from the depiction of ordinary people and the trivial elements of daily life. The story takes place among 1930s in a small town of Sichuan, revolving around King, a street artist's change of perception from keeping to the feudal idea that his skills cannot be passed on through girls to finally allow his beloved adopted granddaughter Doggie be the heir. 1930s is a time of social hierarchy and gender inequality where the rights of minority are exploited; it is also a time of moral confinement, since most people do not receive education and unquestioningly follow the societal rules and customs simply because they are told to. However, Masks shows us that the power of true feelings and humanity can eventually allow people to overcome all the barriers and defeat injustice, as in the ending King is finally able to let go all of the societal restrictions to teach Doggie face-changing because he realizes that nothing is more important than their familial love and bonding. The film's emphasis on emotional depiction, accompanying by artistic cinematography, tranquil scenery and the charm of Chinese traditional art, all have contributed to the timelessness and immutability of the p...

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...s beliefs should be guided by conscience instead of fixed societal rules, and the cause of justice and liberty are worth fighting for.

Works Cited

Dodd, Kevin. "King of Masks: The Myth of Miao-Shan and the Empowerment of Women." Journal of Religion and Film 16.1(2012): Article 5. Accessed May 27, 2014. http://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/jrf/vol16/iss1/5

Garcia, Maria. "King of Masks, The." Film Journal International News. Accessed 27 May, 2014. http://www.filmjournal.com/filmjournal/esearch/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000697887 Jeff. "The Fourth Generation of Chinese Directors." China Culture. Accessed May 27, 2014. http://www1.chinaculture.org/library/2008-01/18/content_67749.htm

Ribeiro, Luisa F. "Unmasked: A Glimpse Into a Lost World." Baltimore City Paper. November 8, 1999. Accessed May 27, 2014. http://www2.citypaper.com/film/review.asp?rid=7639

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