Starring Hollywood legend Donald Sutherland, Hong Kong starlet Rosamund Kwan and Feng Xiao Gang regular, Ge You, Big Shot's Funeral takes its viewers on a wild ride in a tale about Hollywood film director Tyler (Sutherland) who puts a challenge on the shoulders of his new best friend, documentary cameraman YoYo (Ge You), to give him a comedy funeral. A simple premise that quickly comes to fruition as Sutherland falls into a coma just after being fired from his latest film production taking place in China's amazing, Forbidden City. From here on in, YoYo makes it his mission to give his new friend the funeral he wanted!
Saturated in black comedy, sprinkled with slapstick and often hilarious, Big Shot's Funeral is a brilliant satirical clash of East meets West, taking on the problem of China's commercial culture in particular and how Western capitalism has made its mark. This is further highlighted as YoYo begins selling off advertising space for every square inch of the funeral; a brilliantly funny take on things as his funeral costs mount up and things get out of hand. It also shows just how a celebrity funeral (or event as such) can be turned into an unapologetic, money-making farce with product placement and advertisements in the entertainment industry. The trouble is,Tyler has now woken up, and watches the events unfold from behind the scenes - something that puts YoYo's plans into a bit of a spin...
Feng Xiao Gang delivers a film akin to an independent feature. It totally steps aside from the regular film formula, and works because it does so with its absurd plot. The performances from all involved are just wonderful, with Ge You impressing once again as one of China's finest actors, and Sutherland himself proving to be just brilliant. I loved seeing Rosamund Kwan in this role; charming and funny as always, and although it seemed that she delivered her English lines perfectly, it looks like she was dubbed to have more of an American accent.
The dialogue jumps flawlessly between Mandarin and English thanks to such a well-written script, the acting and of course, direction. Part of the comedy comes from situations lost in translation, as well as the misspoken delivery of lines which is often quite funny. Feng also works in a look at issues surrounding Sino-US relations without upsetting the cart either side. The ending for me seems to trip over itself a little, or perhaps I just missed the point, but it was hardly enough to put me off. I liked Big Shot's Funeral. It was something a little different and another great film from the wonderful, Feng Xiao Gang!
Overall: Worth the watch, Big Shot's Funeral is funny and sweet, with great performances from all involved...
Saturated in black comedy, sprinkled with slapstick and often hilarious, Big Shot's Funeral is a brilliant satirical clash of East meets West, taking on the problem of China's commercial culture in particular and how Western capitalism has made its mark. This is further highlighted as YoYo begins selling off advertising space for every square inch of the funeral; a brilliantly funny take on things as his funeral costs mount up and things get out of hand. It also shows just how a celebrity funeral (or event as such) can be turned into an unapologetic, money-making farce with product placement and advertisements in the entertainment industry. The trouble is,Tyler has now woken up, and watches the events unfold from behind the scenes - something that puts YoYo's plans into a bit of a spin...
Feng Xiao Gang delivers a film akin to an independent feature. It totally steps aside from the regular film formula, and works because it does so with its absurd plot. The performances from all involved are just wonderful, with Ge You impressing once again as one of China's finest actors, and Sutherland himself proving to be just brilliant. I loved seeing Rosamund Kwan in this role; charming and funny as always, and although it seemed that she delivered her English lines perfectly, it looks like she was dubbed to have more of an American accent.
The dialogue jumps flawlessly between Mandarin and English thanks to such a well-written script, the acting and of course, direction. Part of the comedy comes from situations lost in translation, as well as the misspoken delivery of lines which is often quite funny. Feng also works in a look at issues surrounding Sino-US relations without upsetting the cart either side. The ending for me seems to trip over itself a little, or perhaps I just missed the point, but it was hardly enough to put me off. I liked Big Shot's Funeral. It was something a little different and another great film from the wonderful, Feng Xiao Gang!
Overall: Worth the watch, Big Shot's Funeral is funny and sweet, with great performances from all involved...