Watch The Puppetmaster

The Puppetmaster is a 1993 biographical drama film directed by Taiwanese filmmaker Hou Hsiao-hsien. The film is a portrayal of the life of Taiwanese puppeteer Li Tian-lu, who had great influence on the contemporary puppet theater in Taiwan. It is an adaptation of Li Tian-lu's autobiography, and the film presents the struggles and hardships he goes through in his early life, as well as his artistic journey and personal adversities.

The story begins with Li Tian-lu as an old man, narrating his life story to a group of young boys. Li's recollection of his life starts from his childhood days, revealing the challenging conditions he faced while growing up. The film takes us back to the Japanese occupation period of Taiwan, where Li's family made a living through puppetry performances. Young Li and his family often faced economic hardships and were always on the move, making it impossible for him to have a stable education. However, he found a deep connection with puppetry and became fascinated with the art form at a young age.

Through his passion for puppetry, Li met and worked with several puppet masters, who would become his mentors and teachers. They trained Li in the art of puppetry, and he soon became a brilliant performer himself. Li's talents were soon recognized, and he would even perform for the Imperial Japanese Army, providing him with some stability in life. However, as the Japanese occupation ended and the Chinese Nationalists took over, the political situation in Taiwan became turbulent, and Li's life took a significant turn.

The film portrays some of the political issues of Taiwan under the Chinese Nationalists ruling, depicting the censorship and control imposed on all forms of art. Li was accused and imprisoned for criticizing the government in his puppet performances, resulting in his father's untimely death. The Puppetmaster shows how Li's life takes a dramatic turn from popular performers to political activists. Despite the personal tragedy he suffers, Li continued to perform, and his plays became increasingly political, reflecting the events happening around him.

The Puppetmaster not only depicts the life story of a great artist but also weaves in a collective history of Taiwan. Through Li's life, the film portrays the social and political changes that were happening in Taiwan during the Korean War and the Chinese Civil War. The movie also depicts Taiwan's unique cultural identity, reflected by the art of puppetry. The film showcases the beauty of Taiwanese puppet theater, as we see delicate puppets bringing alive the story of Taiwan, from the struggles of the ordinary people to the political climate.

The Puppetmaster is a unique film in terms of its filmmaking style as well. The entire film is shot in black and white, giving a documentary-like feel to it. The camera movement in the movie is slow-paced, and the camera angles are mostly static. This, coupled with the naturalistic performances, creates a sense of realism that makes it difficult to differentiate between real life and the art of puppetry. The film's music is another highlight, with several traditional Taiwanese tunes featuring in the film, adding depth and emotion to the scenes.

In conclusion, The Puppetmaster is a beautiful film that portrays the life of Li Tian-lu and the art of Taiwanese puppet theater. With its slow-paced camera work, naturalistic performances, and traditional music, the film takes us on a journey of a great artist and the social and cultural changes in Taiwan. The film is an ode to the resilience of the human spirit, as we see Li Tian-lu, through his art, persevering through difficult times in his life. Indeed, The Puppetmaster is a must-watch film for cinephiles and art lovers alike.