Peacock

Peacock is a Chinese drama film that was released in 2005, directed by the critically acclaimed Gu Changwei. The film stars a talented ensemble cast including actors Jing An, Li Feng, and Changwei Gu. The title alludes to China's National Bird, symbolizing beauty, pride, and even despair, reflecting the paradoxes inherent in the narrative.

Set against the backdrop of the mid-late 1970s in the suburb of Anyang, Henan province, the film focuses on the lives of an ordinary working-class family composed of a mother, a father, and their three children: a daughter and two sons. The scenario is that of a traditional Chinese family living in post-cultural revolution China, highlighting their joys, misunderstandings, hopes, and dreams.

The story of Peacock unfolds from the points of view of the three siblings, each representing distinct aspects of life during this transitional period in China’s history. The eldest son, Weiguo, craves normalcy but is forced to accept responsibilities that he isn't prepared for. The middle child and only daughter, Weihong, dreams of leaving the confines of her mundane life for a brighter future, while their youngest brother, Weiqiang, illustrates immaturity coupled with rebellion.

Jing An delivers a compelling performance as Weihong whose dreams of escape and adventure unlock many emotional facets of her character. His portrayal breathes life into the character, emphasizing her resilience and desire for independence. Li Feng, who plays the eldest brother Weiguo, portrays the inherent struggle of an individual torn between tradition and personal drive. On the other hand, changwei Gu gives an impressive performance as Weiqiang, the eccentric and rebellious youngest sibling who is constantly at odds with his family.

Gu Changwei managed to create a striking backdrop of late 70s China with a focus on its underrepresented suburban life, capturing the subtle details of the era. The film is lauded for its cinematographic excellence, with the portrayal of the Chinese suburbia being particularly striking- full of vivid colors, evocative of the period setting. Despite its relatively slow pacing, the film keeps the audience hooked with its intense character development and a script that manages to gently unveil the various layers of each character's personality.

One of the major highlights of Peacock is its poignant theme. While the film revolves around the individual journeys of the three siblings, it subtly exhibits themes of socio-political metamorphosis, familial ties, traditional values, gender roles, dreams of a better future, and the harsh reality of existence. The film beautifully demonstrates how individual aspirations become a casualty of collective societal values through an encapsulating narrative.

Peacock distinguishes itself with its fine details, character depth, and the subtlety with which it hints at China's socio-political status during this pivotal era. The director's choice of using the peacock, a bird known for its vivid and enchanting beauty, as a metaphor for the main characters beautifully reinforces the contrasting themes of the film: gloominess and beauty, despair, and hope.

The empathy and realism with which the characters have been portrayed make the film an exceptional piece of narrative art. The film's strength lies in its power of narration that minutely observes and presents the nuances of the human condition from three different perspectives. A layered and heart-touching story combined with stunning cinematography and compelling performances makes Peacock a cinematic experience that transcends the cultural territory of China.

Peacock offers a powerful and realistic look at the complexities of human relationships and the realities of ordinary working-class life during a time of transformation. Through the tale of one family navigating their connections and dreams, the film paints a universal picture of human vulnerability, resilience, and the enduring power of hope. This movie showcases that mundane life can, on a closer look, be richly complex, layered with hope, dreams, and silent despair.