FILM SCREENINGS

Platform

2000. China/Hong Kong/Japan/France. Directed by Jia Zhangke. With Wang Hongwei, Zhao Tao, Liang Jingdong. Jia’s camera follows the lives of a touring performance troupe through one of China’s most radical periods of economic and social change (1979–89). Focusing more on character and place than on any one plotline, the director follows the individual stories of the youthful cast, whose personal dreams and aspirations change as radically as the name of their troupe: from The Peasant Culture Group of Fenyang to All-Star Rock ’n’ Breakdance Electronic Band. Liberally dotted with dance numbers and featuring a rich soundtrack of pop songs, political broadcasts, and incidental goings-on, the film offers an insightful and entertaining exploration of how policy shifts affect individuals. In Mandarin, Shanxi; English subtitles. 155 min.