Stunning cyber escapade
By Xu Wei |
January 16, 2011, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
THE fantasy digital world of "The Grid" is very distant from real life. But what is depicted in "Tron: Legacy" is so incredible and dynamic, it differs from any imaginary realm ever shown on the big screen.
In the sequel to the 1982 science-fiction movie "Tron," director Joseph Kosinski, making his feature film debut, presents a creatively imaginative alternate digital world where software programs and users (humans) reside.
When 27-year-old tech-savvy Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund) embarks on a journey to investigate the disappearance of his father Kevin (Jeff Bridges), he finds himself pulled into the digital realm his father built, a cyber universe full of visually stunning scenery.
The action sequences involving a variety of digital games are very impressive and play to the eyes and ears. The Light Cycle race, disc game and fights are breathtaking and well choreographed, evoking memories of popular video games from the 1980s.
The romantic electronic soundtrack by Daft Punk also adds to the film's fantasy and surreal connotations.
Given the number of concept vehicles and black and white avant-garde costumes, "Tron: Legacy" will very likely inspire a futuristic fashion collection.
In addition to thrilling digital fights and chases, the film also presents philosophical insight into the nature of life and our world, making it much more than a superficial commercial production.
This ideal realm is built on Kevin's relentless pursuit of perfectionism, but ironically perfectionism leads to further destruction. Kevin was unable to make his way back into the real world as he tried to give his own distinctive twist to perfectionism. Clu, a digital copy of him betrays him and takes over, while Kevin is exiled from The Grid.
The audience can also experience some remarkable Oriental flavors in the film, particularly when Kevin Flynn is meditating or playing the game of go (weiqi), where using patience is more important than aggressive strategy.
Yi Jing, the Book of Changes, is also mentioned in the film. The classic in Chinese philosophy describes yin and yang, two primal opposing but complementary forces found in all things in the universe. Yin, the darker element and yang, the brighter element are the two different and parallel sides of an object. In the movie they also work as a metaphor for the real world and the cyber universe, as well as Sam's father and his digital copy.
The film released in China last week is presented in both 3D and 2D versions. The IMAX 3D version is highly recommended as it provides theatergoers with a more immersive, precise and fun experience.
Last month, the film was a US box office blast. Industry insiders are optimistic about its performance in China, expecting it to be another box office sensation following "Avatar."
In the sequel to the 1982 science-fiction movie "Tron," director Joseph Kosinski, making his feature film debut, presents a creatively imaginative alternate digital world where software programs and users (humans) reside.
When 27-year-old tech-savvy Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund) embarks on a journey to investigate the disappearance of his father Kevin (Jeff Bridges), he finds himself pulled into the digital realm his father built, a cyber universe full of visually stunning scenery.
The action sequences involving a variety of digital games are very impressive and play to the eyes and ears. The Light Cycle race, disc game and fights are breathtaking and well choreographed, evoking memories of popular video games from the 1980s.
The romantic electronic soundtrack by Daft Punk also adds to the film's fantasy and surreal connotations.
Given the number of concept vehicles and black and white avant-garde costumes, "Tron: Legacy" will very likely inspire a futuristic fashion collection.
In addition to thrilling digital fights and chases, the film also presents philosophical insight into the nature of life and our world, making it much more than a superficial commercial production.
This ideal realm is built on Kevin's relentless pursuit of perfectionism, but ironically perfectionism leads to further destruction. Kevin was unable to make his way back into the real world as he tried to give his own distinctive twist to perfectionism. Clu, a digital copy of him betrays him and takes over, while Kevin is exiled from The Grid.
The audience can also experience some remarkable Oriental flavors in the film, particularly when Kevin Flynn is meditating or playing the game of go (weiqi), where using patience is more important than aggressive strategy.
Yi Jing, the Book of Changes, is also mentioned in the film. The classic in Chinese philosophy describes yin and yang, two primal opposing but complementary forces found in all things in the universe. Yin, the darker element and yang, the brighter element are the two different and parallel sides of an object. In the movie they also work as a metaphor for the real world and the cyber universe, as well as Sam's father and his digital copy.
The film released in China last week is presented in both 3D and 2D versions. The IMAX 3D version is highly recommended as it provides theatergoers with a more immersive, precise and fun experience.
Last month, the film was a US box office blast. Industry insiders are optimistic about its performance in China, expecting it to be another box office sensation following "Avatar."
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