Film series: Adventures in ancient China 8 December 2010 – 13 March 2011

One of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century was the discovery of the terracotta army which protected the tomb of China’s first emperor (221-210 CE). The Art Gallery of New South Wales’ exhibition of some 100 objects included 20 life-side warriors from Xi-an, including terracotta figures of foot soldiers, generals, kneeling bowmen, and cavalry and chariot horses.

The Adventures in ancient China film series was a collection of epic cinematic adventures. From royal ritual to political upheaval and war occurring throughout the country during centuries of turmoil, these films offered adventure, romance, spectacle and insight into daily life over 2000 years of Chinese history. A rare opportunity to experience these sumptuous epics on the big screen, this series included two films depicting the life of the First Emperor of China – Hero and The emperor and the assassin.

The series screened at the Art Gallery of New South Wales from 8 December 2010 to 13 March 2011 in association with the exhibition The First Emperor: China’s entombed warriors.

Films

•  8, 12 December, 2, 5, 6 February – Hero/ Ying xiong (director Zhang Ymou, China/Hong Kong, 2002, 35mm)

• 15, 19 December, 9, 13 March – Red Cliff/ Chi bi (director John Woo, China, 2009, 35mm)

• 5, 9 January, 9, 13 February – The emperor and the assassin/ Jing Ke ci Qin Wang (director Chen Kaige, China/ Japan/ France, 1998, 35mm)

• 12, 16 January, 16, 20 February – House of flying daggers/ Shi Mian Mai Fu (director Zhang Ymou, China/ Hong Kong, 2004, 35mm)

• 19, 23 January, 23, 27 February – Curse of the golden flower/ Man cheng jin dai huang jin jia (director Zhan Yimou, China/Hong Kong, 2007, 35mm)

• 26, 30 January – Battle of wits/ Mo gong (director Chi Leung ‘Jacob’ Cheung, China/ Japan/ Hong Kong, South Korea, 2006, 35mm)

• 5 February, 2, 6 March – Crouching tiger, hidden dragon (director Ang Lee, Taiwan/ Hong Kong/ United States/ China, 2000, 35mm)