| Product Summary | | Publisher: Columbia Tri-Star | | Format: DVD | | UPC: 00043396047419 | | Buy.com Sku: 40129511 | | Item#: VX992L | | Category Keywords: China | | Rating: NR |
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Features: DVD, Pan and Scan (TV Format), Widescreen, Aspect Ratio 1.85:1, Hi-fi Stereo, English, French, Spanish, Subtitled
The streets of 1930’s Sichuan set the stage for The King of Masks, an award-winning tale of hope and transformation in the face of poverty and loneliness.As a rare master of an ancient art, the skills of the King of Masks are sought out by even the most beloved star of the esteemed Chinese Opera. But tradition dictates that the aging master’s trade only be passed on to a male heir. Desperate for this art to survive, The King of Masks finds an apprentice in a destitute child purchased on the black market. When the child reveals an unexpected secret, their relationship is suddenly tested by both the old man’s stubborn sense of tradition and the established customs of China.
"The touching, human aspect of this story has the capacity to warm the hearts of all but the most cynical of movie-goers." James Berardinelli's ReelViews
"A gem! Graced with moments of surprise and humor, sadness and triumph!" Amy Wu, Time Magazine
Editor's Note
At the end of his life, The King of Masks (Chu Yuk), a master of an ancient and revered form of mask making, seeks to pass on his craft. However, tradition dictates that he can only teach the form to a male heir. Desperate to preserve his art, and in some sense himself, the heirless old man purchases a destitute child on the black market. When the boy reveals an unexpected secret, The King of Masks is torn between filial affection and ancient customs.
| Features | Digitally Mastered Audio and Video | | Scene Selections | | Subtitles: English, Spanish, French | | Original Language: Mandarin Chinese | | Theatrical Trailer | | Production Notes | | Interactive Menus |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Columbia Tri-Star |
| Release Date: 6/24/2008 |
| Running Time: 101 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1996 | | Catalog ID: 04741 | | UPC: 00043396047419 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: Mandarin | | Available Audio Tracks: Chinese, Mandarin | | Available Subtitles: English, French, Spanish | | Video: Color |
Aspect Ratio | | 1.85:1 |
| Cast & Crew
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| | Professional Reviews | Movieline's Hollywood Life
"...This richly detailed film makes a biting commentary..." 06/01/1999 p.34Entertainment Weekly
"...Beautifully told....Plenty of harshness along with the sweet..." -- Rating: A- 03/10/2000 p.55 New York Times
"...Its story is gently told and without excess sentimentality....The movie is foremost about kindness, and so warm and understated that that's enough..." 04/28/1999 p.E5 Los Angeles Times
"...An exquisitely wrought period piece....A film of much humor and sentiment, it celebrates the resilience of the human spirit....THE KING OF MASKS is gorgeous to behold..." 05/21/1999 p.F4 Chicago Sun-Times
"...[A] film of simplicity, beauty and surprising emotional power..." 05/21/1999 p.33 Box Office Magazine 9 of 10
In this masterwork, visual balance and imbalance, the juxtaposition of characters and rich scenery and props dazzle the eye and focus concentration on the significance not only of the dialogue but also of the actors' movements and expressions. The film also profits from meticulous camera work and attention to lighting detail, from subtle and indirect to brilliant and gleaming; each scene is like a photograph of perfect composition. - Stephenie Slahor
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