Shanghai hosted the premiere screening of the first Chinese film using local 3D technology on the Peking Opera classic “Farewell My Concubine” on May 5, the China Daily reported.
According to director Teng Junjie, the 3D adaptation of the film, which was based on the epic love story between the legendary Xiang Yu and his concubine, Yu Ji, is the successful merging of traditional Chinese culture and modern technology.
"By including a high-tech and modern touch, audiences can appreciate the beauty of Peking Opera while enjoying the story from their own perspective," Teng said.
"When heroes in the film throw knives at the screen, audiences feel the weapon flying toward them. When Yu Ji performs with Xiang's sword, the audiences feel like they are dancing alongside her. With 3D technology, viewers are more engaged in the story, and not just watching the film as outsiders," Teng was quoted as saying.
The report, however, said that the film had been criticized for using modern technology for financial gain at the expense of losing the essence of the traditional performing art.
Teng, however, responded by saying that the use of the latest film technology is one of the best ways for young viewers to appreciate Chinese traditional culture.
Shang Changrong, a 75-year-old veteran performer, and rising star Shi Yihong played the two lead roles in the film.
"I've shot many Peking Opera films, but it was my first attempt at a 3D film. I think the most beautiful moments of the art of Peking Opera were captured and the actors delivered their finest and most exquisite performances on screen. Peking Opera is going abroad through the most modern media. I'm looking forward to that," Shang said at the premiere.
"Farewell My Concubine" was first shown at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on May 30, 2014, its international debut.
The film received an award for "Live Broadcast Music Entertainment" by the International 3D and Advanced Imaging Society early this year, the report added.