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ORIGINAL TITLE
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WU QINGYUAN
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China, 2006, 104 min, Colour, Japanese/Chinese, Dolby Stereo
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Director
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Tian Zhuangzhuang
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Produced by
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Liu Xiaodian
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Screenplay
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Ah Cheng
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Cinematography
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Wang Yu
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Production Design
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Emi Wada
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Costumes
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Emi Wada
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Chang Chen
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Wu Qingyuan
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Sylvia Chang
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Shu Wen
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Itou Ayumi
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Kazuko Segoshi
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Emoto Akira
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Sekoe Kensaku
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Matsuzaka Keiko
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Kita Fumiko
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Nishina Takashi
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Kitani Minoru
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Betty Huang
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Wu Qingying
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Xin Baiqing
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Wu Yan
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Minami Kaho
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Jikou Son
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THE GO MASTER, the long-anticipated new film by acclaimed 5th Generation Chinese director Tian Zhuangzhuang (HORSE THIEF, THE BLUE KITE, SPRINGTIME IN A SMALL TOWN), is based on the true-to-life story of the world's most renowned master of the ancient game of Go, Wu Qingyuan. Go, a table game requiring intense stamina, energy, emotions, strategy and intellect from its players, was developed in ancient China but found a new home in post-Meiji Japan, where its adherents treated its rules and regulations in a fashion far stricter and more disciplined than that of its Chinese roots.
Wu, a native of China, emerged as a prodigy who, at a young age, moved to Japan and rose to prominence as the top Go player in the world. In Japan, Wu overturned the established traditions and strategies of this ancient game, earning multitudes of fans and enemies along the way. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous Sino-Japanese history of the 20th century, he remained in Japan in spite of the politics and continued his passion for the game. Wu never returned to live in China again, making him a controversial figure in both countries. Now well into his 90s, he continues to reside in Japan playing Go, writing strategy books and living the life of THE GO MASTER.
With a multinational cast that includes Taiwan's Chang Chen as Wu (CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, EROS, HAPPY TOGETHER), Sylvia Chang (EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN, 20:30:40), Xin Baiqing (SPRINGTIME IN A SMALL TOWN), Matsuzaka Keiko (FALL GUY, DR. AKAGI), Emoto Akira (UNAGI, DR. AKAGI) and Itou Ayumi (SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY, HANA AND ALICE), the film employs the talents of cinematographer WANG YU (SUZHOU RIVER, DELAMU, PURPLE BUTTERFLY) and Oscar-winning production and costume designer Emi Wada (RAN, DREAMS, HERO, HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS).
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