The Story of Yuan Tiangang, is a historical inspired drama which is composed of the aspects of fate, destiny, and personal sacrifice. The movie is set in the tumultuous background of the late Sui Dynasty and the protagonist is a young Yuan Tiang who has a tragic past and a rather drastic destiny. His art of Chenggu Bone Divination is used as a weapon of vengeance as well as a weapon of saving lives since he aims at changing the fate of those around him. It is a story with great depths touching upon the issues of free will and destiny in that Yuan struggles with his will to alter his fate as he watches the horror and the devastation that his time experienced. It is a story that I could easily relate to, as it is all about the human being fighting against apparently destined ways.
The tone of the film is the mixture of poetic beauty and high emotions that portray both the calmness of the inner world of Yuan and the confusion of the disintegrated society. The acting of the main actor creates the delicate balance of weakness and determination that makes Yuan a complicated hero because of love and loss and desperate search of the redemption. Cinematographically, the story is given an air of mysticism, through vast panoramas and close shots that reveal the spiritual and philosophical inquiries that are involved. The music provides a subtle emphasis on tension between hope and despair, making the story even more emotional.
I was most impressed by the fact that the film explores the notion that people can make a difference even during a time of turmoil. Yuan is a character who is both inspiring and tragic because his life story starts as a poor, fated young man but ends up becoming a successful leader. Although certain historical liberties are exercised, the film builds a wonderful narrative and poetic imagery, which makes it a very interesting musing on fate. It made me think about how individual strengths can affect the future of history and how in the situation of total mess, everything can be good and have some sense.
