The Golden Era

The Golden Era is a 2014 Chinese biographical drama directed by Ann Hui and scripted by Li Qiang. The film features luminous performances from esteemed actors Tang Wei, Shaofeng Feng, and Zhiwen Wang among others, and is a magnetic visual chronicle of the turbulent life of one of China's most controversial literary figures, Xiao Hong.

The movie dives headlong into the unsettled life of its subject who was both an iconic writer and a woman far ahead of her time. Tang Wei's portrayal of Xiao Hong provides us with an insightful depiction into the life of this unforgettable erudite figure in 20th century China. Xiao Hong is known for her short stories and acclaimed novel ‘Tales of Hulan River’. Through the steadfast viewpoint of Xiao Hong, we get a unique perspective into a period of Chinese modern history - from the Japanese invasion in the 1930s to a time before the Communists took over China.

Shaofeng Feng plays Xiao Jun, another outstanding writer of the time and an intense romantic interest of Xiao Hong. Their searing love story – rife with passion, conflicts, and intellectual exchanges - forms a compelling sub-plot in the narrative. The intricate dynamic and tension between the two are beautifully captured, giving us insights into not only their private world but also the intellectual milieu they were a part of.

Zhiwen Wang plays Lu Xun, a revered name in Chinese literature, under whose mentorship both Xiao Jun and Xiao Hong thrive. Lu Xun’s influence on Xiao Hong, both as a mentor and a critic, is deeply explored, offering viewers an unprecedented view into the literary landscape of the era.

What makes The Golden Era so powerful is Ann Hui’s unflinching vision at the helm. The director, often revered for her work in Hong Kong’s New Wave cinema, presents a masterful biopic that refuses to romanticize its subjects. Instead, her objective storytelling and authentic portrayal of the characters reveal different dimensions of Xiao Hong's personality - her resilience, her vulnerability, her unwavering passion for writing, and even her flaws. At the heart of The Golden Era lies the struggle for freedom – intellectual, emotional, and social, with Xiao Hong’s journey serving as a symbol of resistance against traditional norms and her pursuit towards liberation through her writing.

The film's unique narrative style adopts a novelistic technique. It gives a pseudo-documentary feel, the effect bolstered by using black and white shots as well as interviews with people who 'knew' Xiao Hong during her lifetime. These stylistic choices offer a creative portrayal into the psychological struggles and painful contradictions experienced by Xiao Hong throughout her life.

Cinematographically, the film is a visual treat. Ann Hui attempted a different cinematic language where the constant play of shadows and light expresses its protagonist's tormented state of mind in both her personal and professional life. The austere sceneries and the meticulous attention given to the historical period's details help recreate an era filled with turbulence and transformation. The mise-en-scene and lighting successfully bring out the 1930s era with rigorous authenticity.

The soundtrack deserves a particular mention for its poignant tunes that add an emotional depth to the narrative.

Summing up, The Golden Era is not just a brick-and-mortar biopic. It is an immersive, insightful, and affectionate exploration of a significant figure in Chinese literature – Xiao Hong, and the tumultuous period she lived in. It goes beyond the surface-level trappings of a period drama and paints a stirring portrait of an extraordinary woman who dared to defy societal norms for her love of literature and freedom.

The film's depth and complexity demand viewers' patience and attention but reward them with unadulterated insight into a significant era and a fascinating personality. This is a film for those interested in history, literature, and feminist narratives, threading the line between art and reality. The Golden Era is a captivating journey, offering a rare glimpse into the life and mind of a figure that left an indelible mark in the literature world even in her untimely demise.