Gu Changwei’s Sick China in The Hedgehog
Gu Changwei, a renowned Chinese director, has once again delved into the complexities of Chinese society with his latest film, The Hedgehog. The film, according to independent commentator Gu Songmin, continues Gu’s tradition of portraying a China that is, in his view, sick and often twisted.
In a recent commentary, Gu Songmin, who has contributed to major media outlets such as Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily, CCTV, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times, discussed the themes and implications of The Hedgehog. He notes that the film, while less overtly critical than Gu’s previous works, such as The Spring of My Life, Peacock, and Forever Love, still presents a China that is deeply flawed and troubled.
Gu Songmin highlights that The Hedgehog focuses on two characters, both of whom are seen as abnormal by society: an older man named Wang Zhantuan, played by Ge You, and a young man named Zhou Zheng, portrayed by Wang Junkai. Despite their differences in age and background, they share a mutual understanding and support each other, recognizing the other’s normalcy in a world that views them as outcasts.
The film explores the theme of societal norms and the consequences of deviating from them. Gu Songmin argues that Gu Changwei’s portrayal of China in The Hedgehog is not one of overt criticism of a specific era but rather an examination of the inherent flaws in the societal fabric. The director suggests that those who adhere strictly to societal expectations are the ones truly suffering from a form of sickness.
Gu Songmin points out that The Hedgehog subtly incorporates elements that allude to China’s past, such as the use of red chess pieces with the character soldier inscribed on them, dialogue hinting at political thought, and a scene reminiscent of a public denunciation. These elements serve to contextualize the characters’ experiences within a broader historical and political framework.
One of the most striking aspects of The Hedgehog, according to Gu Songmin, is the film’s use of symbolism and metaphor. The characters of Wang Zhantuan and Zhou Zheng are portrayed as mirrors of each other, with Wang Zhantuan’s lifelong dream of reaching the sea mirroring Zhou Zheng’s eventual career as a cruise ship officer. This connection is further emphasized by their shared admiration for Captain Nemo from Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Captain Nemo’s love for freedom and disdain for war and greed resonate deeply with Wang Zhantuan, whose life is deeply influenced by the book.
Gu Songmin interprets The Hedgehog as a commentary on the suffocating nature of Chinese society, where individuals who dare to think differently are labeled as sick. The film’s final message, according to Gu Songmin, is a call to escape the confines of societal expectations and embrace freedom. The director seems to suggest that the only way to find true liberation is by diving into the vast ocean of life, much like Captain Nemo.
Gu Songmin’s analysis of The Hedgehog offers a thought-provoking perspective on Gu Changwei’s latest work. By exploring the film’s themes of societal norms, freedom, and the human condition, Gu Songmin invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of Chinese society and the impact of societal expectations on individual lives. The Hedgehog serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of questioning societal norms and the need for individuals to find their own paths to happiness and fulfillment.
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