Wang Xiaorong, a prominent woman film critic, introduces the Chinese contenders at this year's 64th Berlin International Film Festival, including a detective film noir set in northern China that scooped up the Golden Bear prize for its director and a Silver Bear award for the male lead actor:
There are three Chinese films in this year's competition: "No Man's Land" [directed by Lou Ye], "Black Coal, Thin Ice" [directed by Diao Yinan], and "Blind Massage" [directed by Ning Hao]. They all have unique characteristics.
For example, the cinematography on "Blind Massage" takes blindness as a theme, and it has been recognized with special artistic awards. Then there's "No Man's Land," which is a martial arts movie set in the west of China.
"Black Coal, Thin Ice" ... did the best out of the Chinese films, winning a Golden Bear and a Silver Bear. Diao Yinan has a background in theater, and he has shot this detective film noir in a very deep way, so as to immerse the audience in its really mysterious environment.
I watched this film at the press screening, and it reminded me of American detective movies of the 1940s or French detective films of the 1950s. This meant the Western audience was immediately able to enter into the scenario. There was a big silence at the end when the journalists finished watching it.
Most audiences when they see this film think it has a very strong plotline, and the actors' performances are also very good, and very much agreed with this film winning a Golden Bear for best picture. Liao Fan also got special recognition for his portrayal of the male lead.
I think this film shows contemporary Chinese society as a very violent society. The way of life of the police in the movie is a criticism of the way Chinese society is today.
The German critics are saying that this film is a perfect marriage of commercial and art house film, and I totally agree with that. I think this is down to the director, but also a success on the part of the producers.
Reported by Tian Yi for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated by Luisetta Mudie.
'This Film Shows Contemporary Chinese Society as Very Violent'
Film critic Wang Xiaorong gives her view of the Chinese contenders at this year's Berlin International Film Festival.
'Black Coal, Thin Ice' director Diao Yinan (right) and actor Fan Liao (left) stand with their awards at the closing ceremony of the 64th annual Berlin Film Festival, Feb. 15, 2014.