Chen Kaige is one of China’s most skillful and imaginative directors and arguably the central figure in China’s, Fifth generation of filmmakers. Because of China’s Authoritarian political system all art must avoid criticism of current culture or government. All stories take place in the past. Adapted from the classic play, the Orphan of Zhao; Sacrifice takes place in the Autumn and spring period of Chinese history (771-476 or 403BC)
It is the story of Dr Chen Ying (actor Ge You) who has a newborn son born at the same time as the, Prince Zhao ( whom he also delivered) was born. 300 members of prince’ Zhao’s clan is wiped out in a sweeping genocide by Zhao family enemy the brutal General; Tu Angu.
In this setting the dr. sacrifices his wife and child, to save the life of the newborn prince. Chen raises the prince as his own son, so he will grow to maturity and avenge his wife and child’s murder by having the secret prince Zhao kill, Tu Angu.
The plot thickens, when, the Tu Angu becomes the Zhao toddler’s godfather.. It is a classic tale of patience in the quest for vengeance as much is sacrificed along the way. The Dr. gives up his, wife and child to child to save the slaughter of 100s of newborn males.
The plot is very simple but, it is the epic , wizardry in storytelling and staggering, cinematic magnificence, that glues you to the screen, for 2 and one half hrs. Sacrifice, if done by a lesser artist would be a cliché period story of, the big payback with, the kind of melodrama, that would only disappoint, Chen Kaige is a living master of filmmaking, and partnered with director of photography Yang Shu, paints lush and epic moving pictures of life that elevate cinema into fine art.
Sacrifice, beneath its Oedipal beauty, lies an old testament style morality tale of an eye for an eye, and all its burdensome consequences. Sacrifice is a film for those who love simple things delivered with brilliant, unrelenting craftsmanship. It is, just lovely to watch and be transported, to a world of ancient beauty, suspense and popcorn munching fun.
The Dr. Chen Yen is quite honorable, for he saves the life of his enemy, Tu Angu, when he could have easily given him a poison to end his life years earlier, yet he does not. Chen treats Tu, with the loving Hippocratic creed of do no harm and illustrates the ancient power and majesty of the humane tradition of Chinese medicine. – Report by Barry Henley