1901

Author: Wang Shuzeng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: The history of a nation, no matter how long it spans, cannot be narrated and depicted solely with tales of emperors, generals in golden and green armor, literary geniuses and beauties, and willows shedding flowers if it is often tainted by illusory sentiments. Then, the generations of that nation will be unable to achieve civilized progress and glorious inheritance, let alone a great national revival. In 1901, this historical fragment at the turn of the century was the most terrifying, most sorrowful, and most heart-wrenching era in the history of the Chinese nation. The Year 1901 was completed in a melancholic mood. Scrutinizing the threads and exploring the larger trends—I wanted to depict the face and expression of our nation using a restrained yet passionate narrative style. In The Year 1901, historical events are not the main subject but rather the backdrop against which the "soul" of all historical figures is "sold." What connects the narrative is not the frequent occurrence of historical events, but the tumultuous emotional journey of the Chinese people. The reason for choosing the history of over a hundred years ago is that the unchanging face of the Chinese people suddenly became dramatically expressive during those days.