The Go Master
The Go Master | |
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Wang Yu | |
Distributed by | Fortissimo Films |
Release date |
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Running time | 104 minutes |
Countries | China Japan |
Languages | Chinese Japanese |
The Go Master (呉清源 極みの棋譜, Go Seigen: Kiwami no Kifu) (
Plot
The Go Master shines a light on the life and times of Wu Qingyuan, pronounced Go Seigen in Japanese. Wu is considered the greatest Go player of the 20th century, his talents bringing him from his native China to a professional career in Japan when he was only a teenager. Based on Wu's autobiography, this elegantly shot and remarkably restrained biopic follows the life of a singular figure, fascinating not only for his genius and achievements in the game of Go, but also for his unique experiences as a Chinese man in Japan during an immensely turbulent period in history. Acclaimed Taiwanese actor Chang Chen (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon) portrays the title role in a subtle, poignant performance that is as penetrating as it is opaque, underlying the brooding lyricism of the film. The Go Master co-stars Sylvia Chang, Matsuzaka Keiko, Emoto Akira, and Ito Ayumi, and Wu Qingyuan himself appears briefly in the film's prologue. Also of note is the film's costume design, which is by renowned designer Wada Emi (Ran, Hero, House of Flying Daggers).
With the breakout of the Sino-Japanese War in the 1930s, Wu Qingyuan (Chang Chen) and his family are thrown into an uncomfortable and dangerous position as Chinese nationals residing in Japan. While Wu's family returns to China, he chooses to stay behind in his adopted country to continue to pursue the game of Go. In the quiet recluse of his school, there are no politics, only the singular dedication to his art and the love for his wife Kazuko (Ayumi Ito). However, the chaos of the times eventually forces him out of his enclave, throwing his life and mind into conflict.[1]
Wu's career ends abruptly when he is struck by a motorcycle in a collision which does not appear to be an accident. This real-life incident may have been a conspiracy against him by opponents in the world of Go, where he remained an unshakable winner. He is later hospitalized and can no longer play Go, due to brain trauma. Despite this, the film ends nostalgically in the golden room of Go.
Cast
- Wu Qingyuan
- Sylvia Chang as Shu Wen
- Akira Emoto as Kensaku Segoe
- Ayumi Ito as Kazuko Nakahara
- Xin Baiqing as Wu Yan
- Keiko Matsuzaka as Fumiko Kita
- Nagako Nagaoka
- Hironobu Nomura as Yasunari Kawabata
- Takashi Nishina as Minoru Kitani
- Nao Omori as Utaro Hashimoto
- Shusai Honinbo
- Betty Huangas Wu Qingying
- Li Xuejian as Li Yutang
Productions
Wu Qingyuan is played by
Critical reception
References
- ^ Review courtesy of Asia Torrents
- ^ Havis, Richard James (2006-10-10). "The Go Master". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 2007-05-27. Retrieved 2007-06-02.
- ^ Scott, A.O. (2007-03-14). "A Prodigy's Life Is Played Out In a Japanese Game of Skill". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-05-27.