1911: China’s Turbulent Epic

Posted on January 26, 2014

Jackie Chan is director and actor in this historic epic. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014.

My Delicate Rose, you are the empress that rules my consciousness.

Written by

Jude Bautista

“Overseas Chinese are the mother of the revolution…your children have died for you.” Sun Yat Sen (Winston Chao) said in a speech delivered to Chinese living in San Francisco California. He was imploring their financial support for a revolution to overthrow the corrupt Qing Dynasty in China. Millions of his countrymen were mired in poverty, sickness and illiteracy while ministers enriched themselves. After the speech, Peter Yu (Tony Leung Ka Fai) said, “Here is $300,000 U.S. We sold our ancestral home. The Qing Dynasty is no longer our home. If the revolution fails, you’ll owe us for generations.”

Sun Wen (Winston Chao) addresses Chinese in San Francisco, California. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014.

from left: Shang Plaza Mktg officer Mimi Tecson, Shang Rila Plaza Mktg. Div. Head Marline Concio Dualan, French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal, Japan Foundation Prog Coordinator Roland Samson, ADMU Ricardo Leong Center Dir. Sidney Christopher Bata and friend. Photo was taken during the opening of the Spring Film Festival at the new Shang East Wing. Photo by Jude Bautista

(Jackie Chan) Huang Xing leads the frontline. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014.

Jackie Chan created this historic epic as co-director and actor. He shares directing credit with Li Zhang. Jackie plays one of the most important allies of Sun Yat Sen: Huang Xing known as the Eight Finger General.

Li Bing Bing plays Xu Zonghan, she is also cast in TRANSFORMERS4 set to be released this year. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014. (My Delicate Rose)

Lion dance during the opening of the Spring Film Festival at the new Shang East Wing. Photo by Jude Bautista

You can watch 1911 and many other popular Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shangri La Plaza Mall as part of the Spring Film Festival from January 24-February 2, 2014. There will also be a Chinese painting exhibit will be held from January 24-February 6, 2014 at the Shang’s new East Atrium. Chinese Painting and Crafts Workshops will likewise be held on February 1 from 2pm to 4pm.

Work from Chinese Painting Exhibit at the new Shang East Wing. Title: Interlude Artist: Christine Diaz De Rivera, Size: 36”x27”. Visit the Chinese painting exhibit from January 24-February 6, 2014 at the Shang’s new East Atrium. Chinese Painting and Crafts Workshops will likewise be held on February 1 from 2pm to 4pm.
Chinese Painting and Crafts Workshops will likewise be held on February 1 from 2pm to 4pm.

Jackie Chan leads a stellar cast that includes Winston Chao, Chun Sun, Li Bing Bing, Joan Chen and even son Jaycee Chan. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014.

Cast

Chinese superstar Li Bing bing plays Xu Zonghan, wife of Huang Xing. She was also cast in RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION as Ada Wong. This year she’s in another Hollywood blockbuster set for release, TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION. Her portrayal of Xu Zonghan was definitely not as a stay at home wife. She was just as active as a revolutionary as Huang Xing and even refused to stay way from the frontlines of battle.

Joan Chen is the Empress Dowager Longyu. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014.

Long time Hollywood veteran Joan Chen is cast as Empress Dowager Longyu . Chen can also be seen in the HBO series SERANGOON ROAD as Patricia Cheng. Her character seems to be depicted as a victim rather than as a ruler having to deal with the treachery, conspiracies and corruption of the imperial court.

1911 is a prequel to the LAST EMPEROR detailing how and why the monarchy lost its hold in China. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014.

Young Emperor Pu Yi at the Forbidden Palace. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014.

1911 chronicles in great detail the events that lead to the overthrow of Emperor Pu Yi. This is a more detailed account or prequel to the immensely popular LAST EMPEROR by Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci. His film shows the personal sojourn from childhood of Emperor Pu Yi, in his Oscar winning drama. Audiences, however, never really understood exactly how or why the monarchy lost its power. 1911 brings to life the many faces that sacrificed their lives, the circumstances and violent revolutionary encounters that ended a monarchial system that lasted several millennia.

The bodies of the 88 martyrs washed up after the failed Guangzhou uprising April 27, 1911. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014.

Jing Ning played Qiu Jin one of many people who sacrificed their lives for freedom in China. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014.

Historic background

Some people are more conscious of spoilers before watching a movie. This particular film needs a few backgrounders, which will aid the appreciation and understanding of the story. Unless you’re intimately familiar with that period in Chinese history, some of the motivations and elements can be confusing.

Aisin Gioro Yikuang was one of many corrupt ministers. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014.

For example, it was fairly commonplace for men in China before 1949 to be known by many different names. Jackie Chan’s character for example is often addressed a Keqing (pronounced as Keching), but his whole name is Huang Xing. Sun Yat Sen himself was often addressed as Sun Wen, instead of his more formal and popular name.

from left: Xu Zonghan (Li Bing Bing) is more than just a housewife to Huang Xing (Jakie Chan). Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014.

Winston Chao plays Sun Yat Sen who was often addressed as Sun Wen in the movie. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014.

Sun Yat Sen, spoke almost perfect or fluent English that was also apparent in the film. This was because he spent part of his childhood in Hawaii where he learned English and Christianity. His fluency was pivotal because he needed to address foreign dignitaries/bankers in Europe to wrest their financial support to Empress Long Yu (Joan Chen).

Sir John Newell Jordan (Simon Dutton) bribed anyone in power that could protect British interests in China. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014.

Joan Chen is the Empress Dowager Longyu. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014.

Sun Yat Sen-Philippine History

Many historians have also credited Sun Yat Sen with influencing revolutionary movements around Asia. In Japan he was able to establish the Tongmenghui (United League), with revolutionary Chinese students studying in Tokyo. It is this group that figures prominently in the film. Sun also famously met with our own Filipino hero Mariano Ponce who was able to convince him to support the Phil Revolution. The Americans however, was able to take control in the Phil American war in 1902.

Homer Lea was an American who supported Dr. Sun through it all. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014.

from right: My dad Joe Bautista and Ninong Jimmy Chao at the Shang East wing’s Chinese New Year display. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista.

1911’s screening was such a big event that I brought my father Joe Bautista and his close friend Jimmy Chao, who also happens to be my Ninong. The two are very ardent students of Chinese history and are especially huge fans of Sun Yat Sen who they proudly proclaim as their province mate from Guangdong.

Rebels convince General Li Yuan Hong (Wu Jiang) to their side. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014.

One of Ninong Jimmy’s insights was his comparison of Sun Yat Sen with Corazon Aquino. According to him they were only 2 people in history to refuse or not covet the presidential post. He also explained why Sun Yat Sen was able to relinquish the presidency to Yuan Shikai who has proven to be a corrupt leader. Jimmy said Sun wanted to avoid further bloodshed that was tearing China apart at the time.

Chun Sun plays corrupt Imperial General Yuan Shikai. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014.

In my mind, U.S. Vice Pres. Al Gore also exhibited similar statesmanship during the 2000 Presidential elections. The Democratic Party wanted to pursue a case of cheating and fraud on George Bush. Evidence was discovered of cheating in Florida where George’s brother Jeb was governor. Gore however, conceded to Bush seeing that the U.S. had reached a state of ‘crisis’.

Yuan Shikai (Chun Sun) is giddy during his presidential inauguration. Catch 1911 and many other Chinese films for free at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall via the SPRING FILM FESTIVAL from January 24 to February 2, 2014.

Modern China in a lot of respects has achieved Sun Yat Sen’s vision of self-reliance and of the Chinese people standing proud in Asia. In his time one of his goals was to prevent his country from being bullied by foreign powers. Now, a century later, China has become such a political and economic force that it can bully smaller nations like the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan and Japan in claiming territories in the South China Sea.