Together [DVD]

What I enjoyed most about "Together" is the subtle way emotions were portrayed - not raw and straight in the face of the viewer.You have to look for them and note scenes that reveal key elements that are stiched together at the final stages of the film.Chen Kaige has accomplished the highest calibre of creativity in film making (co-writing an original - as opposed to adapted - screenplay, directing it and playing an important role in it, that of Professor Yu).There are many comments one could make about the beautifully portrayed characters of this film. However, the character I found most intriguing, is that of Professor Yu.Music Professor Yu is possessive and controlling not only with the fate but also with the emotions of young violinists, although not in an obvious and dictatorial way but rather snobbishly and slyly. He lives and breathes through their success which he nurtures, their gratitude which satisfies and stimulates him, whilst he dominates their fate and their launch to stardom. In doing so, he is not a team player and has no time for anyone's emotions other than his own.We are introduced to his character in a scene with the last prodigy boy he patronised. "They are not applauding for your performance. They are applauding for your reputation" he says, the insinuation being "...which I built for you."A far more subtle scene is played in Professor Yu's upmarket Beijing flat, after Xiaochun's father shared the story of his son (which we do not hear at this stage) and which left Professor Yu's wife in tears. Professor Yu then says to her with a dry eyed smirk "he relly got to you, didn't he" insinuating an rock solid emotional insulation on his part, that shelters his goal and his possessive ambition.When the boy is chosen by Professor Yu for the great night, the aircraft to stardom is once again lined up on the runway and Professor Yu wants no co-pilots. He asks Xiaochun's emotionally fragile father to leave Beijing and presents him with a ticket for this purpose. But the humble father, for reasons of his own, had already booked his ticket to the backwaters of forgoten provincial China, having compromised with the fact that his life there and that of his son in the metropolis of Beijing, would take diametrically opposite courses that would be unlikely to ever cross each other.The catalyst, comes towards the end of the film through the least likeable character, the girl violinist that competes with Xiaochun, also under the patronage of Professor Yu. Her revelation triggers a twofold effect: On the one hand the viewer's opinion of her changes radically, thanks to the dexterity of Chen Kaige's direction, and on the other, both childern achieve what they most wish for, leaving the possessive and controlling Professor Yu at the back seat of their destinies.One more factor I appreciated in this and in other films by Chen Kaige is the duration. A richly told story spanning two full hours is ample time to develop the characters and allow for the moulding of the viewer's emotions at the very able hands of one of China's most gifted directors.On a technical note, my version of the DVD contained no interview with the director, as one reviewer mentioned, or any other informative material, other than a simple trailer.

One of my favorite movies by Chen Kai Ge. Excellent acting, and storyline. Bought a used copy and arrived in almost new condition. Belongs in my small collection of 'hidden gems' of movies.

Together is a mind blowingly powerful story of a young poor Chinese boy prodigy who has talent and a passion for playing the violin. His father realizes that the boy has gone as far as he can in their rural Chinese setting so sends him off to the big city to study under a kind but also poor master. The bonds between father, son, and violin tutor are strong. This story has many twists and turns along the way and shows clearly the daily life of the less privileged class of Chinese people. It was an eye opening glimpse into that non-tourist part of the culture. I was spell bound after the first five minutes. I loed the movie so much I was sad to see it end. I wanted it to be a six hour mini-series it was written, directed, acted, and filmed that well. The action, drama, and subtle humor pull you through this movie like a bullet train ride. It was intensely entertaining, moving, and thought provoking. I would recommend it to all my friends, and have shared my copy with others who appreciated it immensely, even those who normally don't like subtitled movies.

DVD broke in half taking it out of the case. Unfortunately it was past the return date and unable to get a replacement or refund.

Together is a 2002 Chinese drama film directed by Chen Kaige and starring Tang Yun, Liu Peiqi, Chen Hong, and Wang Zhiwen. Here are the pros and cons as I see itPros:The story of this father and son is fantastic and well written.The violin music is wonderful.The cinematography is very good.A good insight into some aspects of Chinese cultureCons:If you are one of those people who do not like subtitles or if you can't understand Chinese, this film might not be for you.

"Together" certainly is one of the best films ever, and this makes it hard to write a review. Good movies capture more than we can put into words.A father does not hesitate to love his son openly, does nothing to protect himself from his deep feelings. He will let his son go, or hold him close, whatever is best. He just wants to do the right thing. The young man flourishes, especially when he realizes exactly what he has in his small family.The best movies seem to have music or dance at their center, and when it comes to music, this one is the best of the best. A must-see, and a good family movie.Jim Shackelford

It's not a great film. The kid is an excellent violinist, and not an actor. The violin teacher is a, eccentric, bitter old goofball. I'm giving it three stars - and I'm being very generous - because I liked the way the father and son become closer over the course of the film. The ending, and the "competition" between the boy and the girl, was crazy, and seemed like they couldn't find any other way to end the film. I wouldn't watch it more than maybe one more time.

The best movie I've seen in a long time. American movie makers should learn something from it. They make very few movies any more that aren't designed to shock you or overwhelm you with cartoon like special effects. American movie makers don't even ask themselves any more if the movies they are making are even remotely plausible. This movie is very subtle, tender and moving. The Love between this Man and his Son is extremely powerful.

Lovely film about a baby found in a train station by a poor man. With the baby was a violin and the man raised the boy to play the violin. The boy was talented and was chosen to be the student of a famous violinist. The conflicts and challenges that both the boy and th father had to face were heart wrenching. But of course there is a happy ending.

Très beau film, traité avec beaucoup de sensibilité.L''itinéraire d''un père, venu de la campagne vers la ville grâce à ses maigres économies, dans l''intention de payer des cours de musique à son fils, qui semble être un vrai prodige au violon. Mais, plus que des cours, il croit tellement en le génie de son fils que ce qu''il recherche est quelqu''un qui saura en faire un interprète réputé.Mais cela est-il aussi facile, en particulier dans la Chine d''aujourd''hui ? Peut-on espérer aussi facilement se faire remarquer lorsqu''on est de si modeste condition, d'origine paysanne et sans carte de résident ? La détermination remarquable d''un père peut-elle suffire à parvenir à son but, même avec un fils qui est un véritable virtuose ?Pas si évident. Même si un concours de circonstances favorable aidera la providence, le jeune Xiao Chun saura-t-il convaincre, par son talent, les bonnes personnes ? Et donnera-t-il satisfaction à ce père qui serait prêt à tout pour aider son fils à exprimer son art ?Tel est le sujet de ce film, que je vous conseille de savourer avec plaisir (en version mandarin sous-titré français, de préférence), si le cœur vous en dit.

la rude bataille d'un paysan pour contribuer à la réussite de son enfant (qui est adopté, mais lui ne le sait pas encore) L'enfant est doué avec son violon. Quelques caprices d'ado, un amour naissant, puis la découverte du secret, les remords, la reconnaissance, la tendresse : beaucoup de beaux sentiments dans ce film : acteurs excellents, un violoniste qui nous transporte, et font de ce film chef-d'œuvre, beaucoup d'émotions : sortez vos mouchoirs

This was a gift to our Mandarin daughter-in-law,however we watched a VHS version of the movieearlier, and found it to be very enjoyable, enough to makeit a special gift to her. (Shep)

Film très émouvant.Le village où vit l' enfant est si pittoresque,typique de la Chine traditionnelle d antan.L' enfant a un talent fou,avec passion,il arrive à l' apogée de cet Art.De condition sociale modeste,il rencontre des personnes qui l' aident et reconnaissent son don inné. Bravo!!!!