ju dou
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Ju Dou appears to be a well-known tale about the dishonor of a young wife, the enslavement of her lover and their bitter struggle to obtain revenge on their master. It might be tempting to dismiss the film's prominent emotions, which verge on turning tragedy into romantic melodrama, but it is entirely plausible for these figures to be so intensely engaged in this struggle, which is not only sexual but also fiercely political. There are many symbolisms that can befound in Ju Dou.
At the beginning of the film it introduces Li Wei, who plays the aging, abusive husband with a narrow but powerful range. He is vicious and inhuman with his wife and nephew, but the most compassionate of "fathers" to the child the world believes is his son. The aging and impotent factory owner can be symbolize as the decaying old order of Maoism. Gong Li, who plays the young, beautiful but beaten wife capably, conveys her character's humiliation and repressed passions. Li Baotian's, who plays the obedient, cowering nephew, emotive face tells us all about a man trapped in an unforgiving social system and caught between his fears and his desires. Even when he finds momentary happiness with Ju Dou, he is left unable to share it with anyone. When their son is born, maintaining the secrecy of their tryst is the cruelest of torture, and Li Baotian exquisitely pained tolerate quietly conveys every trace of his hurt...