neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Together
	Chen Kaige Liu Peiqi, Chen Hong, Wang Zhiwen, Chen Kiage, Tang Yun 2002		Chen Kaige, the Chinese writer/director behind mature, wrenching dramas such as the Cannes Film Festival "Palme d'Or" winner "Farewell, My Concubine," makes a bid for wider commercial success with "Together," a film about the relationship between a working-class father and his musically gifted son. "Together" drips a little sap and lacks the solemnity and grandeur of earlier Kaige films, but it counters with warmth, humor, exquisite classical melodies and the strength of its belief in unconditional love between parent and child. Small-town cook Liu Cheng (Liu Peiqi) wants the best for his 13-year-old boy, violin prodigy Xiaochun (Tang Yun), which means taking the kid to Beijing for an audition at a fancy music school. Relocating to the big city, Cheng seeks jobs to finance Xiaochun's lessons from the best teachers available: a shabby, self-doubting, but dedicated professor (Wang Zhiwen) and a smug, demanding, well-connected instructor (Kiage). Meanwhile, Xiaochun is befriended by a gold-digger (Chen Hong) whose social life is a disaster. Although Kaige explores class distinction and cultural preservation in "Together," he's ultimately more interested in family matters.