Cast
View All
Huang Xuan
as Bai Letian
Shota Sometani
as Kukai
Hiroshi Abe
as Abe Nakamaro
Kitty Zhang Yuqi
as Chunqin
Qin Hao
as Chen Yunqiao
Zhang Tian'ai
as Huji Yulian
Keiko Matsuzaka
as Bai Ling
Liu Haoran
as Bai Long
Sandrine Pinna
as Yang Guifei
Cheng Taishen
as The Watermelon Man
Liu Peiqi
as Huang He
Zhang Luyi
as Emperor Xuanzong of Tang
Mason Lee
as The Chamberlain
Crew
Director
- Chen Kaige
Writer
- Wang Huiling
- Chen Kaige
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Legend of the Demon Cat represents a fascinating example of Fantasy/Adventure/Family cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Chen Kaige brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Legend of the Demon Cat took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 129 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 155 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 888 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Legend of the Demon Cat shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Tales from the Neverending Story: The Gift, which focuses more on action than character development, Legend of the Demon Cat subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Around the World in Eighty Days and Aśoka explore similar territory, Legend of the Demon Cat stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 22, 2017
- Runtime: 2h 9m
Where to Watch
