Ju Dou (Chinese; 1990)
Just as much as societal norms set the order in a society, they can also be the cause of discontent and chaos. Believe it or not, this is very much like religion. On the one hand, it tries to create a milieu of harmony where all individuals, rich or poor, stronger or weak has a place in the sun. Conversely, to try to enact 'God's Law' on Earth, we see people die, and countries go to wars towards this end.
This classic multiple award-winning Chinese film tells of a tale which is set in a secluded village at the turn of the 19th century. Tianqing is adopted by a wealthy but miserly owner of a fabric dyeing factory. He is forced to work ruthlessly, almost like a slave. The elderly owner, Yang, after a spate of dead spouses, is now married to a young bride. Yang is abusive towards his young wife, perpetuated by his impotence and inability to secure an heir.
Tianqing takes pity on the bride, Ju Duo. The feelings develop into a romance, and an illicit affair develops. Ju Duo becomes pregnant with the intimacy, much to the joy of Yang, thinking that it is of his own. A boy is born.
After a fall, Yang becomes a paraplegic. The couple now feels justified to openly flaunt their romance after the things they had endured under his thumb. The boy grows up, realising of his mother's infidelity, develops an aversion against his biological father. At the climax, there is a duel between the teenage son and Tianqing that ends with a disastrous outcome.
Laws are enacted to ensure order. Should rules be so rigid that exceptions cannot be made? When a person is wronged, and the situation is so helpless, can the law be bent on compassionated grounds?
We are so loyal to our kith and kin that we fail to realise that they too are not immune to wrongdoings. Almost by reflex, we tend to be blinded of their injustices. Humans are social animals. We are strong by numbers. We feel vulnerable and need the validation of our deeds. We feel secure in a herd.
This story highlights how man-made regulations, like social mores, overpower the biological natural inclination to protect one of his own kind.
Just as much as societal norms set the order in a society, they can also be the cause of discontent and chaos. Believe it or not, this is very much like religion. On the one hand, it tries to create a milieu of harmony where all individuals, rich or poor, stronger or weak has a place in the sun. Conversely, to try to enact 'God's Law' on Earth, we see people die, and countries go to wars towards this end. This classic multiple award-winning Chinese film tells of a tale which is set in a secluded village at the turn of the 19th century. Tianqing is adopted by a wealthy but miserly owner of a fabric dyeing factory. He is forced to work ruthlessly, almost like a slave. The elderly owner, Yang, after a spate of dead spouses, is now married to a young bride. Yang is abusive towards his young wife, perpetuated by his impotence and inability to secure an heir.
Tianqing takes pity on the bride, Ju Duo. The feelings develop into a romance, and an illicit affair develops. Ju Duo becomes pregnant with the intimacy, much to the joy of Yang, thinking that it is of his own. A boy is born.
After a fall, Yang becomes a paraplegic. The couple now feels justified to openly flaunt their romance after the things they had endured under his thumb. The boy grows up, realising of his mother's infidelity, develops an aversion against his biological father. At the climax, there is a duel between the teenage son and Tianqing that ends with a disastrous outcome.
Laws are enacted to ensure order. Should rules be so rigid that exceptions cannot be made? When a person is wronged, and the situation is so helpless, can the law be bent on compassionated grounds?
We are so loyal to our kith and kin that we fail to realise that they too are not immune to wrongdoings. Almost by reflex, we tend to be blinded of their injustices. Humans are social animals. We are strong by numbers. We feel vulnerable and need the validation of our deeds. We feel secure in a herd.
This story highlights how man-made regulations, like social mores, overpower the biological natural inclination to protect one of his own kind.
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