Mr.Nanguo (南郭先生)(1981) (1981)
Filed under: Animation, 1980s, China, Papercut, Shanghai Animation Film Studio, Stop Motion, Technicolor,
Mr.Nanguo (南郭先生)(1981)
Directed by:Qian Jiajun
Wang Borong
Zhang Shiming (Character Design)
Tang Lingyuan
Shen Rudong
Zhou Xudong
Wu Yingju (Composer)
Song Guanghai (Conductor)
Shanghai Film Orchestra (Performer)
Zi Lianfang
Backgrounds by:Chang Baosheng (Background Design)
Yao Guanghua (Background Illustration)
Shanghai Animation Film Studio (上海美术电影制片厂)
Release date:?/?/1981
Running time:17 min
Color process:Technicolor
Synopsis
The papercut stop-motion animated short is inspired by an ancient Chinese folktale of Mr. Nanguo, a man who pretended he could perform yü (竽), a type of wind instrument. Once upon a time, there was a king who loved listening to yü’s performances. He summoned three hundred good yü players from all over the country to play for him, however, with one still missing. Mr.Nanguo took the initiative to come to the king, recommending himself to become one of the three hundred musicians; however, he pretended to play an instrument he was not capable of at all. Because of his flattery, not only did he never reveal himself, but he also won the king’s favour. Years later, the king died, succeeded by his son. Unlike his father, the new king preferred solo rather than group performances. The musicians elected Mr.Nanguo, the previous king’s favourite, to be the first to play. His secret was finally revealed, and, in order to survive, he sneaked away.
Mr.Nanguo received the Outstanding Film Award from the Ministry of Culture in 1981.
English Subtitles by Hanyan (Helen) Shen.