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Top 9: Caught in the Web
Chen Kaige strikes back! The director filmed "The Promise" in 2005 and was soon mocked by Internet users for this somewhat ridiculous film, which was deemed a big fiasco and a far cry from his classic "Farewell My Concubine." Chen himself was soon involved in a series of controversial online events and disputes for he was not accustomed to the general Chinese netizen's harsh satire and criticism.
Chen learned his lesson and this year finally decided to present audiences with a film that reflects his thoughts on the interaction between mankind and the web, as well as any given online manhunt and the public opinion's impact on the life of any given ordinary citizen.
"Caught in the Web" is a far cry from his usual style. Featuring a number of famous actors, such as Wang Xueqi, Chen Hong, Yao Chen, Gao Yuanyuan and Mark Chao, the film examines the social phenomenon that is the Internet.
The film carries a modern feel to it in many ways. It tells the story of a white-collar worker Ye Lanqiu, played by Gao Yuanyuan, who refuses to give up her seat to a senior citizen on a bus. Her defiance is videotaped by a journalism intern and aired on a gossip-styletalk show, forcing the incident to snowball.
The video sparks intense debate both on- and offline. Some Internet users search for Ye's personal information and hold no bars publishing it online. The issue soon brings tremendous changes to the families of both the journalism intern as well as Ye's boss. Ye eventually commits suicide and people realize the woman they so intensely hated online, was actually a normal girl suffering from cancer-pure tragedy.
The online search for, and disclosure of, people's personal information has been a heated topic of debate in Chinese society. The media's role in creating controversial issues has also been called into question. Both are topics worth exploring in modern China, and Chen's attempt indicates his decision to stay in tune with the modern world. This is one giant leap for him, because Chen used to focus his storylines around myths, legends and ancient Chinese history.
Apart from using modern topics, Chen Kaige has also revolutionized the way he presents the story. Based on a novel that was once popular online, the film retains its multiple narrative perspectives. The cast includes many A-listers, each taking to their respective roles with much gusto.
It contains multi-truths in the exploration of human weakness as "Caught in the Web" is the closest and most realistic flick Chen has produced in recent years. It became the best grossing art-house film ever in China, where it made 173 million yuan (US$ 27.7 million) at box offices.
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