Prince of the Himalayas
First theatrical screening of one of the most remarkable cinematic experiences to have been filmed in Tibet
"Awesome! ... The film's strong point is its spectacular visuals — fierce battles, snowcapped mountains, rolling rivers and boundless fields."
– New York Post
Schedule & Tickets
C.G. Jung and Shakespeare's HamletSaturday, March 10, 2:30 p.m. Jungian analyst Bruce Parent interprets the role of the archetype in Shakespeare's Hamlet as it is portrayed in Sherwood Hu's Prince of the Himalayas. This fascinating reimagining of Shakespeare's most widely translated play is set in a pre-Buddhist Tibet. In this striking new reading, a more compassionate light is shed on Claudius and Gertrude's motivations, further complicating the mother-son/ father-son relationship in the play. See the film and join the conversation afterwards. Tickets: $14 / 12.60 for members (incl. pre-screening gallery tour at 2:00 p.m.) |
The first theatrical screenings in the US of Sherwood Hu's exhilarating high-altitude Hamlet. Set in ancient Tibet under the shadow of the Himalayas, the film is a visually ravishing historical epic with stunning scenery, richly saturated color, and lush costuming. As the proto-typical tale of oedipal anxiety, or of the terrifying possibilities of taking action in the social world, this film re-invents a story we thought we knew. This is a Rubin Museum exclusive. The film is not available on DVD. Presented in association with The Shakespeare Society and Asian CineVision.
Reviews
"Here, at last, a Hamlet that makes emotional sense of the plot and the back story. - Bob Ellis, The Sydney Morning Herald.
"Hu's strong emphasis on spirituality breathes life anew into a magnificent old war horse." - Kirk Honeycutt,Hollywood Reporter
"With Prince of the Himalayas, Sherwood Hu confirms his status as one of China's most interesting directors with a glorious visual style married to a fascinating dramatic tale." - Hollywood Reporter
"The uniqueness of this film is that it blends so much eastern culture, religion and philosophy; therefore it gives a different life to the drama. The revenge carries different meanings now. The Prince has to make a different choice, which is the ultimate tragedy." - Sina.com
Read more on the official website.
About the Director
Prince of the Himalayas is directed and co-written by Sherwood Hu, one of the most exciting and dynamic directors to emerge from China. Born and raised in Shanghai, Sherwood relocated to the US to receive his Masters of Arts degree from New York State University and earned a Ph.D. in directing from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
He created The Legend of Prince Lanling, a lavish stage production which received an Honorable Mention from the Kennedy Arts Center, and which he later adapted into his first feature film, Warrior Lanling, an epic ritual film about ancient China. His second feature, Lani Loa: The Passage had Francis Ford Coppola and Wayne Wang as its executive producers, and was one of the first U.S.-China co-productions.
Hu went back to China to direct a 40-episode television series, Purple Jade for China Central Television. He returned to epic costume period film work with Prince of the Himalayas, his own adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet, set in ancient Tibet, and performed entirely in the Tibetan language.
Mr. Hu is a guest professor at the Shanghai Drama Academy where he supervises and mentors graduate students.
About the Prince
Purba Rgyal makes his feature film debut as Prince Lhamoklodan. Director Sherwood Hu discovered his lead actor, a 21-year old aspiring Tibetan singer, while scouting locations. Purba has since gone on to win first place in Hao Nan Er, a Chinese version of American Idol.
*Please note that this film includes some nudity and violence.
