Born in 1952 in Beijing, Tian Zhuangzhuang graduated from Beijing Film Academy in 1982, where he co-studied with other influential directors like Chen Kaige and Zhang Yimou. What distinguishes Tian most from other members of the fifth generation of Chinese directors is his emphasis on the portrayal of individuals, something his contemporaries usually neglect or attach little importance on.

Chen's parents are famous performers Yu Lan and Tian Fang, from whom he inherited their intense artistic quality and courageous sincerity. Their characteristics and charismas also exerted a subtle influence on Tian. Known for his forthright character, Tian is also good at expressing the most delicate feelings behind the uncouth or barbaric sceneries in his movies. This style is best exemplified in his movies of Horse Thief in 1986 and Hunting Ground in 1985.

Tian claims that "I forget what I have shot as soon as I finish my work," but as a matter of fact, Tian always makes sufficient preparation before actually shooting a movie. Therefore, the atmosphere is rather relaxed during the shooting, because he thinks "It's too late to be in a hurry when you are shooting."

Tian's maiden work Our Corner , shot in 1980, caused a great stir in the movie circle.

Horse Thief , which Tian both composed and directed, demonstrated the vast panoramas of Southwest China's Tibet.

Also, he directed three popular movies in the late 1980s and early 1990s: Drum Singer (1987), Rock 'n' Roll Kids (1988), and Li Lianying: The Imperial Eunuch (1991), diverging from his earlier works that highly valued purely artistic pursuits.

Besides his feature works, Tian has also made some attempts in other art forms in recent years. Delamu (2004) is a documentary about the ancient Tea Horse Road, which is a path that winds through the mountains of Southwest China. The film made its North American premiere at the 2004 Tribeca Film Festival in New York.

Tian's other representative works include Red Elephant (1982), The Blue Kite (1991), and Springtime in a Small Town (2002).

Author: Jeff

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