Chang An

2023 [CHINESE]

Action / Animation / History

14
IMDb Rating 7.5/10 10 1739 1.7K

rebellion tang dynasty based on true story world supremacy historical fiction historical drama

Plot summary

A few years after the Anshi Rebellion, Tang dynasty military commander Gao Shi suffers a defeat in a battle threatening Chang'an. Trapped in the besieged city, he recalls his lifelong friendship with the acclaimed poet Li Bai.

Director

Junwei Xie Photo
Junwei Xie

Top cast

Chen Jie Photo
Chen Jie as Li Guinian
George Takei Photo
George Takei as Gao Shi (old)
Hong Shang Photo
Hong Shang as Zhang Xu
Tianxiang Yang Photo
Tianxiang Yang as Gao Shi
720p.BluRay 1080p.BluRay
1.51 GB
1280*528
Chinese 2.0
NR
Subtitles cn  
24 fps
2 hr 47 min
Seeds 7
3.1 GB
1920*792
Chinese 5.1
NR
Subtitles cn  
24 fps
2 hr 47 min
Seeds 43

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by ObsessiveCinemaDisorder 9 / 10

A love letter to the Tang Dynasty and poetry, a wonderful historical deep dive into the golden age of Chinese arts and culture

Chang'an is a Chinese animated film that gloriously celebrates the Tang Dynasty, the golden age of Chinese arts and culture, paying tribute to Tang Dynasty poetry.The story chronicles the lifelong friendship between Li Bai, China's most famed poet, and Gao Shi, a general and politician, during the Tang Dynasty from its cultural peak until its eventual collapse from the An Lushan Rebellion.With a wonderfully written script, Chang'an reaches its ambitions, viscerally showing daily life in the Tang dynasty, its flourishing culture, and communal appreciation for poetry-reciting up to 48 Tang poems throughout the film.Poetry was an art form shared socially. On a night out drinking, poets would compose a poem on the spot to capture a moment of joy, similar to taking an Instagram selfie now, and the latest composition will be passed on verbally appreciatively from town to town in chin-stroking joy.It was momentous when the film recited Li Bai's "Quiet Night Thought", the definitive poem that every Chinese person recites in school. It was wonderful learning the context behind how it was composed. Every Chinese teacher will be playing Chang'an clips for years to come.The animation is used meticulously to recreate the capital city of Chang'an and allows an aesthetic freedom to switch between various tones and subgenres, easily switching from historical slice of life drama, wuxia, war film and into the imaginary.At 169 minutes, Chang'an earns its long runtime with its rich story. I was transported back in time and seduced by the Tang way of life. Seeing a society so enveloped in art and expression was infectious and inspiring. The Li Bai and Gao Shi's friendship is also well developed and quite moving. Towards the end, when the Tang era was over, I felt a sorrow for a great time long gone.Chang'an is one of the best films of 2023. I highly recommend it to everyone.
Reviewed by jngyzh 7 / 10

Not my Li Bai

This Li Bai is too crazy. It's not the Li Bai I know in my heart!He should be a knight (xia ke), just like the one described in "Xia Ke Xing", holding a sword, wondering in the Rivers and Lakes (Jiang Hu). He is eager to become a great hero, not just longing to become a bureaucrat. If you know what I am talking about, read his poem "Xia Ke Xing".He should also be very romantic, having wild dreams. But, importantly, he is not crazy. He dealt with all sorts of people, however, he always has a dream.The film also has inconsistent styles. A few shots are just comics, not sure why the producer/director thought this is a better way. The animation is good, and could be better.
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