By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.6
Director: Allan Miller
Country: germany, united_states
Year: 2001
Running time: 87
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0262076
Diane says: “5 cats for this docu about the production of Puccini’s opera ‘Turandot,’ which is set in ancient China. It’s the kind of docu I love: filmmaker Allen Miller doesn’t insert himself, but uses editing to highlight the conflict that develops between stager Zhang Yimou (director of RAISE THE RED LANTERN) and the Western crew. This production’s stage is a 14th century palace in Beijing’s Forbidden City, so Yimou is intent creating sets, costumes, lighting, etc. that will suit the Chinese sensitivity to their heritage (an unanticipated $600,000 for new costumes, for instance). For the Italian lighting designer, though, Puccini’s opera is about characters.
“Amazingly to me, Zhang casts a troop of 300 Chinese soldiers to play the chorus. We see their commander in camouflage teaching them the songs, the
choreography, etc., and they are all pleased to be involved.
“I’m not a fan of opera, but the actual opera scenes were thrilling. I also really liked the quick scenes of Beijing life accompanied by ‘Turandot’s’
music.” 5 cats
Laura says: “THE TURANDOT PROJECT is a traditional, well-crafted documentary of an extraordinary event. Mehta’s vision results in a mini city of Babel where Chinese, Italians, Germans and Americans work together through interpreters to create an authentic take on the Chinese background of a Western opera.”
For Laura’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/theturandotproject.htm”
Michael says: “I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary about an amazing, cross-cultural performance of Puccini’s opera, ‘Turandot.’ Conductor, Zubin Mehta teams with Chinese director, Zhang Yimou (RAISE THE RED LANTERN, THE ROAD HOME) to mount the opera in Florence, than do the unprecedented by taking it to the Forgotten City of Beijing. The sheer magnitude of the production is mind-boggling… the fact that they pulled it off with very little in the way of a hitch was even more astounding. Of course, I think it really helped that Yimou really seems umflappable. I really enjoyed the
comments of the one Chinese producer who calmly stated that if anything happened to the ancient temple where the opera was being staged, she would
be imprisoned.” 4 cats
Robin says: “The overall effect of Miller’s coverage of the international music event is well paced and exciting to watch. The principle players, Mehta and Zhang, are true masters of their respective arts and the dedication they display in putting on such a monumental work is a pleasure to watch. The film culminates with a montage of the performances in the Forbidden City and it forms an exciting conclusion to the chronicle. Theatrical release will be limited, unfortunately, so keep your eyes open for this gem of a document. After life on video and public broadcasting will allow a broader range of audience the chance to see the wonderful work. Whatever way you see it is worthwhile.” 5 cats
For Robin’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/theturandotproject.htm”