COLLECTION · Series · 2007

家

Original title

**Introduction** "Family" (1976), directed by Chen Kaige, is a poignant exploration of love, duty, and the destructive power of feudal traditions in early 20th century China. Based on Ba Jin's seminal novel, the film follows the tragic fate of the Gao family, particularly the long-suffering Gao Jialin (Awaken), as he navigates the treacherous waters of family politics and ancient customs. **Body** The Gao family is a sprawling, feudal clan ruled by the iron fist of the elderly Gao patriarch, who adheres rigidly to Confucian values. Awaken, the eldest grandson of the main branch, is forced to abandon his love for his cousin, Mei Feng, and marry the stranger,瑞珏 (Rui Ju), in an arranged marriage. After his father's death, Awaken inherits the family business, inciting envy from other branches of the family. To maintain peace, Awaken swallows his pride and bears the brunt of their resentment. Mei Feng returns to Chengdu after her husband's death, unexpectedly reuniting with Awaken. Riddled with guilt, Awaken secretly aids Mei Feng, much to the chagrin of his wife, Rui Ju. Meanwhile, Awaken's younger brother, Awakenqi (Awaken the Fourth), and the household servant, Mingfeng, develop feelings for each other. The old patriarch plans to gift Mingfeng to the lecherous Feng patriarch as a concubine, leading Mingfeng to tragically take her own life. Soon after, Mei Feng also succumbs to illness. The patriarch insists that Awakenmian (Awaken the Second) marry the niece of the Feng patriarch. Awakenmian refuses and flees the household. The patriarch orders Awaken to retrieve Awakenmian, placing Awaken in an impossible position. Awaken's five uncle's scandalous behavior is exposed, causing the patriarch to fall ill. Before his death, the patriarch agrees to postpone Awakenmian's marriage. However, upon his return, Awakenmian finds the patriarch on his deathbed. With the patriarch gone, the family descends into chaos as various branches vie for control of the family fortune. Using the pretext of avoiding "blood calamity," they force Awaken to send Rui Ju to a remote location to give birth, resulting in her tragic death during childbirth. The feudal traditions that Awaken once upheld have claimed the lives of the two women he loved most. Finally awakened, Awaken agrees to support Awakenqi's education, signaling his rejection of the feudal family system. **Conclusion** "Family" is a powerful indictment of feudal values and their destructive impact on individual lives. Through Awaken's tragic journey, the film exposes the cruelty and hypocrisy of a system that demands absolute loyalty and obedience, while crushing those who dare to defy it. Chen Kaige's masterful direction and the outstanding performances of the cast bring Ba Jin's seminal work to life, making "Family" a seminal film in Chinese cinema history.