Example Of Movie Review On Effects Of Communism On Social Structure And Social Relations

Abstract

"To Live", by Zhang Yimou, appears to be a simple title, but it is an ocean containing information about Chinese history before and during Communist rule. The movie focuses on life of a family in China that goes through many hardships during Cultural Revolution in 1960s. The message of the heroine represents the voice of thousands of Chinese people that they want peace in life.

This essay will highlight effects of Communism on social structure and social relations in China.

The story of “To Live” revolves around the family comprising Fugui (Ge You), his wife Jiazhen (Gong Li), and their children Fengxia and Youqing. The movie follows the events from 1940s, when Fugui is busy in gambling at parlors to lose virtually all his money, to tremendous hardships of Cultural Revolution in 1960s. The family goes through the fierce struggle with fate, and the political rules ascertained by Communism.
During the massive Cultural Revolution, the historical scenarios are portrayed clearly with concrete titles throughout the movie. To boost steel production in China, the whole town donates their household items to play its part. Even the cooking pans are utilized in steel industry and communal kitchen is established for everyone.
Throughout the movie, the Communist revolution is blamed for family catastrophes and tragedies. Even the specialized doctors are retreated from hospitals, leaving the life of patients at risk. The authorities of government are criticized heavily for being responsible for turmoil of social life throughout China. The vision of the writer covers three decades of struggle of the nation through Communist rule. The history is being mourned to arouse deep emotion of sympathy for affected people.
The social relationships are hit quite hard as a result of Cultural Revolution. The scarcities of goods force people to act sternly. The consequence of Communism is the cult of personality traditionally observed as the demolition of social relations. The Communists burn house of Fugui that was already owed by Mr. Er and make fun of Fugui’s helplessness. Fugui somehow develops sense of survival that is heartbreaking at times and express the true message of this tragicomic movie.
“To Live” is deliberately made quite sentimental and emotional to realize the hardships experienced by people during strong Cultural Revolution. The way Fugui and his wife struggle to earn their living, is quite emotional.
The mastery of Zhang Yimou crafts a melodrama and exaggerates to a high level. The tragedies with the families in China clearly reveal that people were treated as pawns in Mao’s government. The historical catastrophes and revolutionary changes simply make up weep at some scenes. This movie vividly depicts how individuals strive for their life bound by cruel rules and regulations.
The honesty with which Zhang Yimou depicts the catastrophic effects of Communism on social relations, earned him two-year ban on further co-production with Gong Li. However, “To Live” won great fame all over the world. It still resides on screens as an interesting show about ordinary families surviving in terrifying conditions.
Overall, “To Live” is an energetic film that involves high degree of tragic scenarios. The movie depicts the ebb and flow of fortunes of families suffering from fate and tumultuous rules of Communism. The vision of filmmaker goes independent of all political currents and recognizes that the ordinary people in China desire for a quiet and peaceful life.