Produced by Light Chaser Animation Studios who brought us the fantasy, mythology films, “White Snake”, “Green Snake”, “New Gods: Nezha Reborn” and “New Gods: Yang Jian” previously. “Chang’an”, or “30,000 Miles from Chang’an” in Chinese, is their latest epic historical drama, about the lives of two famous Tang Dynasty poets Gao Shi and Li Bai. Clocking in at a staggering 168 minutes, it ties with the extended vision of Sunao Katabuchi’s “In This Corner of the World” (2016) as the longest animated films released theatrically.
Dazzler Media presents Chang’an in UK and Irish cinemas from 28 February
Set in the Tang Dynasty during Emperor Daizong’s reign, elderly Governor Gao Shi and his Tang army are desperately trying to block the main forces of the Tubos (Tibetans) from taking over their Yunshan Fort. Now outnumbered, he has no choice but to retreat to the nearby Lushui Pass. Before long, Cheng, an Imperial War Inspector turns up but instead of taking interest in the current situation they are in, he wants to know everything about Li Bai.
Although the main plot of “Chang’an” is about two men and their struggles through life, deep down it is basically about Gao Shi (Wu Junquan). It turns out that Li only appears when Gao sees him. When they depart from each other and before they meet up again, we only follow Gao whichever way he goes. Aside from their deep friendship, the film actually celebrates the rich history, especially the culture of the Tang Dynasty. After all, this is the time when trade and poetry flourished and China’s very best, important poets are from this era. Even now, schools throughout China still teach the poems from these great poets.
Actually, besides being a great poet, Gao is foremost a politician and a hardworking military man who started his army career quite late in life. His father trains him well in the art of spear fighting which he puts to great use while in the army. But he struggles and faces rejections when starting out because his lowly family name is not good enough to get him into the imperial exams. Nonetheless, his army career finally takes off during the An Shi rebellion civil war period when he fights against the invading enemies.
On the other hand, one of the greatest poets of the Tang Dynasty and unlike his best friend, Gao, Li Bai (Ling Zhenhe), is a pure literary genius. His father is a rich merchant so he has a less struggling life growing up; in fact, he travels extensively and loves his wines. But everything changes after his father dies and leaves him nothing. During this desperate time, he even marries into a rich and powerful family hoping to secure a name for himself. Unfortunately, that also falls apart when his father-in-law dies which leads him to become a Taoist. However, nothing stops him from writing the best poems ever.
Rendered magnificently here is the capital of the Tang Dynasty, Chang’an. After all, this was one of the world’s largest and richest cities during its time. Equally well depicted are the beautiful outdoor scenery, the snow-capped mountains, the raging rivers and lakes, full of details. Also, the chubby horses portrayed here look exactly like those presented in the Tang paintings, a nice touch from the filmmakers indeed.
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Interestingly, from Li’s swordswoman friend, we learn about the downright unfair treatment of females in that era. In general, it is almost impossible to sit for the imperial exams if one has no strong connections or belongs to a lowly family. Passing the exams and becoming a court officer is every young man’s dream but too bad if one is a female. Both Gao and Li never sat for those exams but they became famous and successful from their own doings.
There are a bit of sword fights and battle scenes but this is more a story about two men struggling through life in ancient China and the unfairness and hardship they have to overcome. Apart from the historical and family drama, there is plenty of poetry on display here. Besides Gao and Li, other famous poets like Du Fu (Sun Lulu), Wang Wei, Chang Jian, Wang Changling, Meng Haoran also appear briefly.
