Lijia Zhang's Blog, page 13

Movie Lee

My Review of Movie Lee

The film “Lee”, inspired by the life of model-turned-war photographer Lee Miller, should have been a tribute to a trailblazing woman. I’ve always admired stories of female pioneers, yet this film left me disappointed, despite Kate Winslet’s compelling performance. Winslet, the driving force behind the project, brings depth to her role, but the film itself lacks the originality and complexity such a remarkable figure deserves.

The narrative follows a predictable path, relying on the well-worn interview format. Lee Miller was an extraordinary woman who led an extraordinary life, yet in this telling, I struggle to understand what shape her into who she becomes. What compels her to risk her life at the frontlines of World War II, capturing images of devastation? The film offers little insight into her motivations.

There is so much potential material to explore. Lee’s traumatic childhood, marked by sexual assault, is brushed over in a single, fleeting line, with no further exploration of how it influences her character or choices. Likewise, the tension between Lee and her son, who turns out to be the interviewer, hints at unresolved conflict—another missed opportunity to delve deeper into her personal life. “Lee” offers glimpses of a fascinating life but shies away from the very complexities that could have made it truly memorable.

BTW, the film is adapted from her memoir written by Lee’s son, her only child.

My article on the disabled in China

It may be hard to believe, but just before the curtain fell on the Paralympic Games in Paris, an incident involving a disabled individual shocked the nation: a young woman was mocked and attacked for her passion for physical exercise. This is my investigation into the situation for people with disabilities in China. If you’d like to read the full piece, feel free to reach out. Cheers,
https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3276485/rare-disease-china-doctor-wheelchair-top-university-inspires-students?module=perpetual_scroll_1_RM&pgtype=article

Book talk

Online book club with Zhang Lijia
We invite you to the 4th round of our book club! The book club takes place in cooperation with the Confucius Institute Frankfurt. Here’s a revised version of the text:

In this compelling memoir, Zhang Lijia recounts her experiences growing up in Nanjing during the 1980s. She vividly describes the challenges of living in poverty and her defiance against societal norms and expectations. At just 16, she was forced to leave school to take over her mother’s job in a state-owned military factory. However, Lijia was not content to accept her fate. She fought for her freedom and personal growth, ultimately becoming the organizer of the largest workers’ demonstration in Nanjing during the summer of 1989.

Zhang Lijia will join our discussion in person to share insights from her book and her remarkable journey. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about the political and social upheavals of the time from the perspective of a courageous and resilient woman!

Book: “Socialism is Great” – A Memoir by ZHANG Lijia
Date: September 13, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
This event will take place via the video conference platform Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2164672202
Meeting ID: 216 467 2202
https://www.konfuzius-institut-frankfurt.de/buchclub4/
To register: https://www.konfuzius-institut-frankfurt.de/buchclub4/ To the book: https://www.drachenhaus-verlag.com/es-lebe-der-sozialismus/

Our Country’s Good

“Our Country’s Good” is super good!

Timberlake Wertenbaker’s play “Our Country’s Good” is not just good—it is truly remarkable, a work that has cemented her reputation in the world of theatre. Adapted from the novel “The Playmaker,” this play first graced the London stage in 1988, and its enduring brilliance has brought it back to life at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.

Set in the harsh and unforgiving penal colony of New South Wales, Australia, the narrative follows Second Lieutenant Ralph Clark as he endeavors to stage George Farquhar’s comedy “The Recruiting Officer” with a cast of convicts. As rehearsals unfold, the characters—both the officers and the convicts—grapple with their personal demons, prejudices, and the transformative power of art. The play is a profound exploration of redemption, the corrosive effects of colonialism, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Wertenbaker, ever the master of her craft, delivers a story where power and performance are intricately woven, leaving an indelible mark on the audience.

On a personal note, Timberlake, the wife of my dear friend John Man, graciously offered me two tickets to the opening night. I was thrilled to attend with my actress daughter Mei, though it was a near-miss. My day began in Pisa, with an early flight back to London that was delayed by nearly four hours. By the time I arrived at Gatwick, it was late afternoon—no time to return home to drop my backpack, let alone change into something more fitting for the theatre, which I always prefer. Exhausted, I almost left during the interval, but the play was so captivating that I remained in my seat until the final curtain. Such is the power of a well-crafted play!

“Our Country’s Good” runs at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre until the 5th of October. If you have the chance, do not miss it!

Marriage portrait

“The South China Morning Post has launched a new column where writers delve into social issues through personal experiences, offering a more intimate and relatable perspective. Here’s my contribution.”
https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3273449/put-ring-it-chinese-women-dont-need-marriage-any-more

My neighbor Totoro

Japanese Animated Film: My Neighbor Totoro

How I loved this film! Normally, I don’t particularly enjoy fantasy movies, and I rarely watch animated films either. (After all, I am a fully grown woman.) However, I adore Hayao Miyazaki’s works and loved both Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. Naturally, I had high expectations for My Neighbor Totoro, and I was not disappointed. This is one of the most charming films I’ve ever watched.

The film follows two spirited girls who move to a village outside Tokyo with their university professor father to be closer to the hospital where their mother is staying. One day, the younger girl, Mei, who is four years old, wanders into the nearby forest and encounters a giant creature she calls Totoro. Totoro becomes her friend. When Mei goes missing after an argument with her sister, it is Totoro who saves the day, with the help of the ‘cat bus’.

Interestingly, despite being a ghost story of sorts, the film is not frightening at all. The creature is gentle, and there is no villain or evil force. Yet, the charm of the characters, great storytelling, and the original, enchanting world it presents draw you in completely.

Well, a fully grown woman (or man) can also appreciate the enchantment of a child’s world.

Book event

Last night, I went to a book launching event at Charring Cross Library, a novel titled “Living a stolen life” by Chinese writer Dong Xi, published by Sinoist Books. I am delighted that there are more novels being translated and introduced to the British market. Well done Sinoist Books.

being quoted in the Guardian

It doesn’t make sense: China’s birthrate is plummeting yet the authorities don’t allow single woman to access assisted re-production technology, forcing many to freeze their eggs abroad. Here’s an excellent piece in the Guardian, in which I am quoted.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/17/single-women-china-egg-freezing-ban

Tell China Story well

Almost exactly 11 years ago, Xi spoke of the need to “tell China’s story well”, his strategy for better external communications and to project a more favourable image of the nation. As a writer, I am fascinated by the idea. Sadly, despite millions spent on pushing for national soft power, it has not worked. Here’s why.

https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3270095/tell-chinas-story-well-its-writers-must-be-free-enough-do-so

my favourite poem