PG (for thematic elements, language and brief partial nudity)
Genre:
Drama, Comedy
Release Date:
January 17, 2003
Running time:
100 minutes
Cast:
Donald Sutherland, Paul Mazursky, Ge You, Rosamund Kwan, Ying Da
Director:
Feng Xiaogang
Producer:
Wang Zhonglei
Distributor:
Sony Picture Classics
Description: Don Tyler is a world famous film director whose work has brought him a lifetime of accolades. Now he's in Beijing shooting an epic about the last emperor of China's Qing dynasty. In the midst of shooting an intense scene, he suddenly realizes that he can't go on with the film. His self-confidence has deserted him; he hasn't the slightest idea what his film is about anymore. He turns to his cameraman, Yoyo, for advice, but the two end up in long discussions about Buddhism and death. Meanwhile, studio boss Tony is pressuring Tyler to complete the film on time to honor a contractual negotiation, with Japanese distributors that is worth millions of dollars. Tyler's luck takes a turn for the worse when he gets sick and falls into a coma. With the help of his promoter friend, Yoyo grants Tyler his last wish--before he slips into a coma--to give him a traditional "comedy funeral" as a joyful celebration of a life well lived. But the funeral plans get way out of hand and turn into a media circus beyond control and beyond their budgets--all of which becomes quite a problem when Tyler miraculously recovers.
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