A recently released Chinese animated film about the most iconic poets from the Tang dynasty (618-907) has become the world's longest theatrical animated release, boasting a running time of 168 minutes. The film integrates an epic depiction of the dynasty's evolution and the poets' individual journeys with elements of profound Chinese traditional culture, enriching the narrative with 48 beautiful ancient poems.

Creators of "Chang'an" pose for a group photo at the film's premiere in Beijing, July 5, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Table Film]

"Chang'an," directed by Xie Junwei and Zou Jing, tells the story of Li Bai, China's beloved poet, and his close friend Gao Shi. Set against the backdrop of the Tang dynasty's shift from its majestic peak of prosperity to the upheaval caused by the rebellion led by An Lushan, a former trusted general of Emperor Xuanzong, the film explores the decades-long friendship between the two poets. Amid poetic landscapes and featuring a pantheon of renowned Tang dynasty poets such as Du Fu, Wang Wei, and Meng Haoran, their destinies intertwine with the country's changing fortunes.

Never has such a production brought the poets and their works, long a staple of students' textbooks, to life on such a grand scale. The poets in the story were not merely literary figures; they possessed martial arts and had personal ambitions intertwined with complex politics, patriotism, and even a pursuit of Taoist immortality, as depicted in the film. 

To ensure historical accuracy, the film creators undertook numerous research trips to various locations, including Tongguan, Songzhou, and, of course, Xi'an. Formerly known as Chang'an, Xi'an served as the capital of the Tang dynasty and is now the provincial capital of Shaanxi province. These visits not only inspired the creative process but also allowed the creators to gather valuable ideas from the figurines and ancient paintings exhibited at the Shaanxi History Museum.

Yu Zhou, the film's producer and co-founder and president of Light Chaser Animation Studios, expressed at the premiere event in Beijing on July 5 that he hopes this film can convey the deep and extensive culture of Chinese civilization through animation. Light Chaser Animation Studios predominately focuses on narratives inspired by traditional culture and mythology. The studio has garnered recognition for its inventive adaptations of China's fantasy and mythological tales, including notable works like "White Snake," "New Gods: Yang Jian," and "New Gods: Nezha Reborn."

"Compared to Light Chaser's previous works, 'Chang'an' represents a significant departure," added producer Song Yiyi. "Through this film, we aim to broaden the range of domestic animated films." "Chang'an" is an integral part of the animation studio's new cultural project, which presents and reimagines traditional cultural stories with a fresh approach.

A poster for "Chang'an." [Image courtesy of Light Chaser Animation]

While Xie Junwei noted that the film embodies their admiration for the great poets of the Tang dynasty, co-director Zou Jing emphasized that audiences can witness the magnificent lives of these poets in the film and experience the charm of Tang poetry.

"My child will have to recite Tang poems in elementary school, but what impressed me is that at one point, I recited a few words after him, and instantly we felt connected and bonded through poetry," Xie told China.org.cn. "He also enjoyed my work in animation. During the production process, I would show him some parts of the project on the computer, and he loved it."

Producer Song echoed, "Our generation will read these poems, and so will future generations. It is a form of inheritance. Chinese characters have a lineage, and they record these cultural and spiritual elements, forming a tremendous treasure. For Chinese people, it is something intrinsic to us, carried within our breath and flowing in our blood."

"Also, animation is a form of distillation and synthesis of the real world, which bears striking similarities to poetry. I firmly believe that exceptional animated works can provide an extraordinary interpretation of the essence of Chinese culture and its inherent spiritual temperament," director Zou Jing explained.

He further emphasized, "We created 'Chang'an' to delve into the limitless treasures of Chinese culture through animation. In the grandest epoch, amidst the monumental currents of history, we narrate those characters' unwavering pursuit of ideals. We aim to showcase and disseminate Chinese culture, enabling more viewers to develop an affinity for it. To me, this endeavor holds immense significance."

"Chang'an" debuted in Chinese theaters nationwide on July 8.

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