Chen Kaige's new movie sparks polarizing debates

Chen Kaige: I have no intention of justifying myself

It is not the first time that a Chen-Kaige film has triggered controversies and debates, however. His fantasy film The Promise in 2005 brought tons of sneers and ironic parodies, and Monk Comes Down the Mountain in 2015 saw no improvements in the comments.

Many have complained that Chen could no longer reach the peak he created with his drama Farewell My Concubine, which won him the Palme d'Or in 1993 and was put into the "hall of fame" by public praise.

However, when asked why he continues to make fantasy movies 12 years after The Promise, Chen denied that it is to "justify himself" in commanding the genre.

"It is only my nostalgia and respect to a beautiful dynasty," he said. He added that he never considered The Promise and Monk Comes Down the Mountain to be "bad films", indicating that public opinion could also change as time goes by.

The director said Farewell My Concubine and Legend of the Demon Cat are both singular expressions, and he would not consider either as the end.

"Love and beauty are the themes that run through all my movies, and they are overwhelming to me," said Chen. He added that he tends to glorify women and adolescents in his films, for they are the symbols of such themes.