The opening of Qiu Jiongjiong's play and directorial debut, "The Pepper Sesame Hall," features two friendly demons, Niu Tou and Ma Mian, who transform into humans to inflate the front wheels of the human-powered cart that transports souls to the afterlife. At this moment, supernatural and everyday scenes, pastoral charm, and practicality blend in a whimsical mix, symbolizing the style of the play. It is an art and historical story told with astonishing imagination.
Fundamentally, it is a dramatic portrayal of 20th-century Chinese politics. The protagonist, Qiu Fu (played by Yi Sicheng), is introduced to the afterlife, narrating his life as a member of the Sichuan Opera Troupe's New New Drama School. Qiu's life spans several important historical periods, from the Chinese Civil War to World War II, and then to the rise of communism and the Cultural Revolution.
The most striking aspect of "The Pepper Sesame Hall" is its presentation. Each scene is dressed up like a scene from a real play. Therefore, the stage set is composed of exquisite theatrical props. However, the fake bricks and plaster on the stage intertwine with real items - real bricks and plaster - creating a wonderful visual suggestion that lies between realism and surrealism. In this case, the characters have a strong duality. Despite their everyday appearance in behavior and attitude, there is always a silent, uncertain, and threatening feeling lurking behind this ordinary facade. This symbolic meaning is emphasized through wicked mischievous humor, shining in subtle but genuinely funny moments.
The story unfolds across several important historical eras, from the Chinese Civil War to the Second World War.
The narrative of this story is based on the director's grandfather's life. This intimate framework injects a quiet but undeniable sense of historical reverence into each scene. Its observations are plain and unadorned, without any obvious declarations - the plot is simply told as a story. Furthermore, while the fantastical tendencies suggest that the events unfolding may not be literal memories, the film confidently considers itself as real. Its storytelling is both a collection of many similar stories from that period and the main thread of that period. Therefore, it elegantly presents the spirit of that era, making the plot more authentic in historical significance than any singular narrative.
"The Pepper Sesame Hall" is a completely worthwhile endeavor. It is multi-layered like ancient traditions and bold like new beliefs. Just like the afterlife presented in its narrative framework, the director sharply examines how historical deeds remain and resonate over time. "We will forever stay here, immortal, as wandering ghosts. Forever together."
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