| Fish and Elephant | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Traditional Chinese | 今年夏天 |
| Simplified Chinese | 今年夏天 |
| Hanyu Pinyin | Jīn nián xià tiān |
| Directed by | Li Yu |
| Written by | Li Yu |
| Produced by | Cheng Yong |
| Starring | Shitou Pan Yi |
| Cinematography | Fei Xiaoping |
| Edited by | Li Yu |
| Music by | He Wen |
Release date |
|
Running time | 106 minutes |
| Language | Mandarin |
Fish and Elephant (Chinese: 今年夏天; pinyin: Jīn nián xià tiān; lit. 'This summer') is documentary filmmaker and former TV hostess Li Yu's feature film directorial debut. The film is also often referred to as the first Chinese mainland film to broach the topic of lesbian relationships in China.[1][2]
The story follows the elephant keeper in the Beijing Zoo who maintains an aquarium of fish in her home (hence the two-animal title), and her lesbian lover, a fabric saleswoman in an outdoor market. Her relationship is tested, however, when her recently divorced mother returns to town in the hope of setting her daughter up in marriage. Further complicating matters is one of Xiaoqun's ex-lovers also returning to her life with the law in pursuit.
The film was produced by Cheng Yong Productions and was an "underground" production (in that it was not made with official support). Moreover, the film was cast entirely with non-professional actors and actresses.[1]
- ^ a b Kraicer, Shelly (2002-05-23). "Fish and Elephant: review by Shelly Kraicer". Chinesecinemas.org. Retrieved 2008-01-29.
- ^ DeGroat, T. J. "China's First Lesbian Film Wins Praise". Asian Diversity, Inc. Retrieved 2008-02-02. [dead link]