Note: these are not my opening notes

One way that film form is used to create meaning is to highlight the protagonist to us. For example, the use of framing. Mei is always centralised which signifies her as important to the audience. The mise en scene is also used to set up the film. The mise en scene of the opening text sets up the plot of the movie to the reader as well as setting up the historical context of the film in a simple way. The difference in the performance of Jin and Leo highlights to us the differences in them as characters. Jin is slouched and drinking. He, therefore, comes across as more casual than Leo who is sat upright with good posture and polishing his sword making him seem more professional and formal.  The film form elements also create meaning relating to other core study areas –

Women are represented in two different ways. The initial performance of the group of women giggling while playing tug of war with Kin, and being unable to win despite severely outnumbering him is portraying women as weaker than men. However, Mei is independent and talented. She stands up for herself, ‘Why can’t a blind girl work here?’ which Kin likes as well as performing in the echo game perfectly. Men are shown as creeps through Jin. He drunkenly watches pretty women while they have there arms draped over him. He unties Mei’s clothes without permission and with a sword in which the slow-motion of her clothes falling emphasizes the moment and what he has done. He also attempts to rape her. At the end of the day, they both get arrested but Mei gets arrested for being indecently dressed which wasn’t even her fault but his, showing the unfairness in terms of treatment of these people because of their gender.

Zhang is known for his elaborate sets that can be described as Baroque. They tend to be detailed, colourful, rich and indulgent. The mise en scene of the brothel is no different, but although it seems stylized it does come for a place of reality. It has detailed floors and colours everywhere as well as the set itself being very large. This links in with the aesthetics, it seems luxurious and stylised and is part of Zhang’s recognisable auteurship.

“The Tang dynasty is often considered a “golden age” of Chinese civilization during which all areas of culture and civilization flourished – literature and poetry (famous poets Li Bai and Du Fu are from Tang period), painting, commerce, as well as science and innovation. Bordellos of the time were places of beauty and artistic expression, just as the one depicted in the film. The headmistresses of bordellos had wealth and power. Courtesans were intelligent, artful singers and poets who entertained guests with their skills and conversation.” Although the brothel can be considered over the top and stylised, it does have an element of truth. Bordellos of the time were places of beauty and artistic expression, just like the one depicted in the film. Therefore, the detailed walls, pillars, flooring, outfits and just everything all has an element of truth as well as linking to Zhang’s auteur style.