Dram

Author: Jiafu Su Film Critic Editorial Department
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: The new film The Ancient Tea Horse Road-Dram by the flag bearer of China's fifth-generation directors, Tian Zhuangzhuang, is simultaneously screening in Beijing, Shanghai, and Kunming. The companion book Dram is also released – for readers who have seen the film, it offers a magnificent "re-enactment on paper" along with expert discussions and a complete record of the filming process; for those who haven't seen the film, it provides a preview of the shooting background and philosophy, serving as a "pre-heating" experience for viewing. Dram is a documentary work by director Tian Zhuangzhuang and also China's first film shot using "high-definition" digital technology. It has been widely praised by numerous industry professionals as "a continuation of Tian Zhuangzhuang's consistent 'art film' approach," with all the main characters being the indigenous people living in harsh yet peaceful and serene conditions. In early May, at the "2004 Tribeca Film Festival" in New York, Dram had its world premiere and received high praise from both festival guests and general audiences. Renowned director Martin Scorsese claimed to be deeply moved by the film's "music, imagery, and tranquil atmosphere," calling it "a poetic work" and "a timeless historical textbook that showcases the fusion and unity of different cultures and religions in that region." The New York Times published a review article by its chief film critic, E.O. Scott, noting that the film is "a masterpiece in both quality and artistry," documenting Tian Zhuangzhuang's "brilliant, profound, and great journey along the ancient trade route connecting Yunnan and Tibet." The film, with its pastoral rhythm and breathtaking scenery, immerses viewers in the life of the indigenous people, who seem untouched by urban civilization. Its profound meaning transcends its geographical and cultural characteristics, capable of resonating globally. Dram primarily introduces locations in the Hengduan Mountains spanning Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet. On this land, the Tibetan, Nu, Dulong, Naxi, and Lisu ethnic groups have resided for nearly a thousand years. The Nujiang, Lancang, and Jinsha rivers flow through the canyons, with their sources in the Himalayas of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This magical region is known as "Shangri-La." The indigenous people living on this mystical land are the protagonists of Dram. The title "Dram" refers to the name of a horse in the caravan, meaning "goddess of peace" in Chinese. The book is divided into two parts, containing the narration script and artistic of the Dram documentary, along with a wealth of photographs.