Asian Cinema : Movie Review : The King of Masks (1999)

The theatrical masks of Chinese opera were promoted by emperors and high court officials. As a result, they became a traditional art form and along with this tradition, came other traditions. 

Many films are gems that get lost or buried. Even award-winning films like “The King of Masks”. It's a foreign movie: Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles.

Time period is the 1930s. A master of an ancient Chinese art is growing old. He must pass on his skills to an heir. A male heir.
It's tradition!

Unfortunately, he's childless. In a desperate effort to honor the custom and maintain the trade and the tradition, he buys a young child. In China, poor children are often sold via a black market. He and the child develop a close relationship, however, a “complication” also develops.

"The King of Masks" 

is a wonderful and touching story. 

• View theatrical trailer - https://youtu.be/OjXVfF4GQO0
  

Related articles

• History of Masks - Ancient Use of Masks

  ---

Quotes and Notes : Philosophy : Confucius Wisdom and Quotes

According to the famous Roman orator and lawyer Cicero:

"There is nothing so absurd that it has not been said by some philosopher." (Yawn.)

The yawn may or may not have been included when he made that comment. But Rome was loaded with philosophers and they had a habit of congregating on Mars Hill daily and just ... babbling. Meanwhile, on another part of planet earth ...

To contrast with a teacher from the Far East:

"3 methods to learn wisdom: by reflection, which is noblest; by imitation, which is easiest; and by experience, which is the bitterest."

Words of wisdom from one who probably lived his life as a simple common ordinary man, but who is today acknowledged by many around the world as one the world's most sensible common sense philosophers. When it comes to Confucianism, many would insist that Cicero's quote does not apply.


A brief bio-snapshot:

- Life span: About 70 years (c. 551 B.C - c. 479 B.C.)

- Born and buried in Chu-foo (or Qufu or Lu).

- Served as Public Administrator for 15 years (532 B.C. - 517 B.C.); afterward, he studied and taught the Chinese classics, and spread his philosophy.

- His sayings were published posthumously as the "Analects of Confucius".

- The Prince of Lu consecrated his home as a temple, two years after he died.

Do You Admire the Wisdom of Confucius?

I do. ☺

To practice 5 things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue: gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.  ~ Confucius

Image credit: Confucius Statue in Bejing, China (Wikimedia Commons)

***

Happy Tree Tuesday ~ Save the Trees ~ Save the Planet

Happy Tree Tuesday to all my tree loving friends out there.   (FYI.  "Tree Tuesday" is every day in my book.  ❤☺)  It's been a while since I shared.  Below are items already posted on Google Plus.  Using the "embed feature" to recycle the content here.  Hope you like the selection.

"The oak tree is epitome of strength, it symbolizes endurance, power, and royal attributes by its sheer size."

What can we learn from trees?

Ever heard of the Judas tree?

There's the pomegranate tree and then ... there's the other pomegranate tree.

Think China will take the lead and save the planet?

Love red? Love bonsai? This is a win-win!