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E-mail China.org.cn, January 27, 2024
A new martial arts film has innovatively adapted a classic Peking Opera show, integrating action cinema with traditional Chinese opera.
The cast and crew pose for a photo at the premiere of "Blocking the Horse" in Beijing, Jan. 25, 2024. [Photo courtesy of iQiyi Pictures]
Feng Xiaojun’s "Blocking the Horse," produced by and starring renowned kung fu star Wu Yue, charts a new path for the genre. The film, based on a Peking Opera show of the same name, delves into a story from the extensive saga of the legendary Yang family.
This Yang family, well-known in China, played a crucial role in the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127), safeguarding its reign, as well as guarding the Great Wall and the dynasty's borders. The family boasted several generals and high-ranking military officers, such as Yang Ye and his seven sons, as well as 22 female military officials spanning four generations.
Films that draw upon opera for adaptation remain a rarity in China. This film masterfully incorporates opera elements into its production. Speaking at the premiere in Beijing on Thursday, producer and actor Wu mentioned that China's opera culture inspired him, especially the remarkable duels between individuals. "Therefore, I merged martial arts with opera, utilizing Peking Opera scenes to create exhilarating and suspenseful action sequences. This ultimately resulted in a passionate and action-packed film," he explained.
He further emphasized his belief that a film should stay true to historical reality while introducing innovative elements, making this kung fu opera film a bold and daring endeavor. Several Peking Opera masters, including Tan Zhengyan and Tan Xiaozeng, attended the premiere, praising the film and engaging with the cast and audience.
A poster for "Blocking the Horse." [Image courtesy of iQiyi Pictures]
The film made its online debut on the Cloud Cinema platform of iQiyi, one of China's major video streaming sites, on Jan. 25.
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