You won't be disappointed!

Very disappointed :(

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

"Bian Lian" ("King of Masks") is a Chinese film set in what would appear to be the Republic period in China (about 1912-1930). Bianlian Wang (Xu Zou) is a street performer who can almost magically make various masks appear on his face and disappear....and he's apparently the only one who knows the trick. The problem is that it's been passed down from one generation to the next and Bianlian is an older man whose son died long, long ago. So, following the advice of a famous actor, he goes to buy a boy! To modern audiences, such a practice must seem barbaric....but this was something that did occur in China...especially during times of famine a family might sell off some of their children! The problem is that the little boy he buys and grows to love has a secret...she's really a girl. But she doesn't want him to know, as girls have little importance in society and she's worried he'll send her back or cast her into the streets...which does occur. But there's far, far more to the story after this....and it's a sad but ultimately enjoyable and fulfilling story.This film is a great one for folks interested in feminist cinema. While it's definitely true girls were without much value at the time, it shows that these stereotypes are wrong and does it in a sweet way. Terrific acting by all and one of the better Chinese films I've seen.

One of the most heart-warming foreign films I've ever seen.The young girl is an amazing talent. Stellar performances by her (Doggie), the old man (the king of masks), and Liang (the Living Boddhisatva).(SPOILER) The deplorable treatment of children, especially females is disturbing.Loved the music. The original Chinese dialog heightens the emotional intensity of the performances and the story.This is a MUST SEE -- enjoyable family film, although not for very young children. Would have rated the DVD release even higher if the soundtrack had been transferred better onto the DVD and the transfer had included the widescreen version.

This movie is the best film ever. I can't remember the last time a movie has drawn tears out of me. with a tear in my eye, I admire this movie. It has all the elements that a good movie must have: Excellent Dialogues, Music, Acting, Story/Plot. A story of friendship, courage, kindliness and loyalty between a Street performing who famous to The King of Masks and a little girl that sold as a boy in serf bazaar. Little girl liked to be his granddaughter and King of Masks liked a grandson. They were not conventional in real. Every scene they were together was priceless. The camera work is flawless and grips you. The acting is inspired. Xu Zhu was Excellent as The King of Masks. Renying Zhou "Doggie" looks pretty and played her character very well. Zhigang Zhao as Liang Sao Lang was great. He played his helpful and kindhearted character extremely well. If you have't this movie, try it once, Do watch it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I would write a thousand words to extol the virtues of this movie but it has been already done well by: Howard Schumann Vancouver, B.C.Date: 2 December 2002 Summary: A Work of Warmth and TendernessPlease read his comments. Thx.