Qiu Jiongjiong's "Pepper Sesame Hall" opens with two amiable demons, Niu Tou and Ma Mian, incarnating as humans, pumping air into the front wheels of the human-powered cart that transports souls to the afterlife. At this moment, the supernatural and everyday scenes, pastoral atmosphere, and practical quirkiness are mixed, symbolizing the style of the play. This is an artistic and historical story told with astonishing imagination.
Fundamentally, this is a dramatic interpretation of 20th-century Chinese politics. The protagonist, Qiu Fu (played by Yi Sicheng), is introduced to the afterlife, narrating his life as a member of the Sichuan Provincial Opera Troupe's New New Drama School. Qiu's life spans several important historical periods, from the Chinese Civil War to World War II, and then to the rise of communism and the Cultural Revolution.
The most striking aspect of "Pepper Sesame Hall" is its presentation. Each shot is dressed up like a scene in a real play. Therefore, the stage setting is composed of exquisite theatrical props. However, the fake bricks and fake plaster on the stage are intertwined with real objects - real bricks and plaster - creating a wonderful visual suggestion that lies between realism and surrealism. In this case, the characters have a strong duality. Despite their everyday appearance in behavior and attitude, there is always a silent, uncertain, and threatening feeling lurking behind this ordinary appearance. This symbolic meaning is emphasized through wicked playful humor, shining in subtle but (I cannot underestimate this) genuinely funny moments.
"...unfolds across several important historical eras, from the Chinese Civil War to the Second World War..."
"...the story takes place in several important historical periods, from the Chinese Civil War to World War II..."
The narrative of this story is based on the director's grandfather's life. This intimate framework injects a quiet but undeniable sense of historical reverence into each scene. Its observations are plain and unadorned, without any obvious declarations - the plot is simply told as a story. Furthermore, while the fantastical tendencies suggest that the events unfolding may not necessarily be literal memories, the film confidently considers itself real. Its narrative is both a collection of many similar stories from that period and the main thread of that period. Therefore, it elegantly presents the spirit of that era, making the plot more authentic in historical significance than any single narrative.
"Pepper Sesame Hall" is a completely worthwhile endeavor. It is multi-layered like ancient traditions and bold like new beliefs. Just like the afterlife presented in its narrative framework, the director sharply examines how historical deeds remain and resonate over time. "We will stay here forever, immortal, as wandering ghosts. Forever together."