Sacrifice
Directed by Chen Kaige
Mixing the intimate and the epic to great effect, Chen Kaige’s (Yellow Earth [SFIFF 1986]) latest is a character-driven story of retribution and regret. General Tu’an feels that his fortunes have been thwarted by the popularity of the Zhao clan and devises an intricately planned coup d’état. During the confusion of the ensuing massacre, Cheng Ying, a court doctor who is a new father himself, helps deliver the last of the Zhao clan in secret and is entrusted with the baby’s safety, setting in motion an intricate story of mistaken identities, paternal love, betrayal and revenge. As he did with Farewell My Concubine (1993), Chen turns to the stage for his filmic inspiration, this time giving his own spin to this sweeping adaptation of Yuan dynasty-era Orphan of Zhao.
TRAILER
China 2010. 130 mins. Written by Chen Kaige Photographed by Yang Shu. With Ge You, Huang Xiaoming, Fan Bingbing, Wang Xueqi. In Mandarin with subtitles. Samuel Goldwyn Films.
Tickets $9 for SFFS members, $11 general, $10 senior/student/disabled. Box office opens June 28 online at sffs.org and in person at SF Film Society Cinema.
 | Read the San Francisco Chronicle review "A riveting, unpredictable tale of revenge from Chinese master Chen Kaige." |
Sacrifice is not only Chen Kaige’s best film for over a decade, but is one of the best Chinese blockbusters of the last couple of years. Proving that it is possible to provide thrills and entertainment without compromising on plot or characters. —BeyondHollywood.com
An emotionally fertile exploration of paternal love and revenge. A welcome return to form for Chen Kaige. —Variety
Stuffed with some of the best male acting talent in China, Sacrifice is veteran director Chen Kaige's best film in at least a decade.
—Film Business Asia
An emotionally fertile exploration of paternal love and revenge. A welcome return to form for Chen Kaige. —Variety
Stuffed with some of the best male acting talent in China, Sacrifice is veteran director Chen Kaige's best film in at least a decade.
—Film Business Asia
TRAILER
China 2010. 130 mins. Written by Chen Kaige Photographed by Yang Shu. With Ge You, Huang Xiaoming, Fan Bingbing, Wang Xueqi. In Mandarin with subtitles. Samuel Goldwyn Films.
Tickets $9 for SFFS members, $11 general, $10 senior/student/disabled. Box office opens June 28 online at sffs.org and in person at SF Film Society Cinema.
July 27–August 2
Showtimes 1:00, 3:30, 6:00, 8:30
SF Film Society Cinema
1746 Post Street (Webster/Buchanan)
Showtimes 1:00, 3:30, 6:00, 8:30
SF Film Society Cinema
1746 Post Street (Webster/Buchanan)