The Last Supper (2012 film)

The Last Supper is a 2012 Chinese historical film directed by Lu Chuan. The plot is based on events in the Chu–Han Contention, an interregnum between the fall of the Qin dynasty and the founding of the Han dynasty in Chinese history. The film was originally scheduled to be released on 5 July 2012,[1] but was delayed. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on 8 September 2012.[2][3]

The Last Supper
Poster
Traditional王的盛宴
Simplified王的盛宴
MandarinWáng Dè Shèng Yàn
Directed byLu Chuan
Produced byLu Chuan
Qin Hong
Albert Yeung
Teng-kuei Yang
Zhao Xiaowen
Alan Zhang
Gu Guoqing
Written byLu Chuan
StarringLiu Ye
Daniel Wu
Chang Chen
Qin Lan
Sha Yi
Nie Yuan
Huo Siyan
Music byLiu Tong
CinematographyZhang Li
Ma Cheng
Edited byLiu Yijia
Cui Liang
Production
company
Beijing Chuan Films
Distributed byWild Bunch (international)
Release date
  • 29 November 2012 (2012-11-29)
Running time
110 minutes
CountryChina
LanguageMandarin

Plot

The story is told in flashbacks from the point of view of a 61-year-old Liu Bang, the founding emperor of the Han dynasty. Liu Bang has been experiencing nightmares and living in fear and apprehension as he constantly suspects that someone is trying to kill him. In his whole life, he has been afraid of only two persons: Xiang Yu, who fought with him for supremacy over China after the fall of the Qin dynasty; Han Xin, a man who previously served Xiang Yu, but later became a general under him, and helped him defeat Xiang Yu. Liu Bang then reflects on key events in his life, such as the Feast at Hong Gate and the Battle of Gaixia.

Among all his subjects, Liu Bang regards Han Xin, Xiao He and Zhang Liang as the three most important persons who assisted him in overcoming Xiang Yu in the Chu–Han Contention. However, he believes that Han Xin wants to rebel against him and has Han imprisoned for the past six years. Liu Bang reluctantly releases Han Xin and lets him stay in Zhang Liang's residence. Liu Bang's wife, the empress Lü Zhi, eventually forces Xiao He to lure Han Xin into a trap under the guise of inviting Han to attend a banquet. Han Xin was captured, charged with treason and executed, with his dead body suspended inside a bell. Xiao He cuts off Han Xin's head and presents it to Liu Bang. Liu Bang also dies shortly after. It is said that he finally found peace in death because he has been living in suspense and uncertainty.

Cast

Production

Shooting for The Last Supper started in March 2011 and ended on 1 November 2011. Locations include Xiangshan Film City (象山影视城) in Ningbo,[4] and Kangxi Grassland (康西草原), Beijing.[5] The film is based on the latest archaeological data collected in recent years and aims to provide a new perspective on that part of history.

The film was originally titled 鸿门宴 (Feast at Hong Gate) in Chinese, but was later changed to 王的盛宴 (lit. The King's Supper) to avoid confusion with Daniel Lee's White Vengeance (Chinese title 鸿门宴), which is also based on events in the Chu–Han Contention.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, when asked on how different The Last Supper would be as compared to other Chinese historical films, director Lu Chuan said, "I wish to present to audiences something believable. Many earlier Chinese historical films showcase gorgeous scenes and flamboyant costumes, but what actually occurred in history thousands of years ago was not like this. I want to show history in its true form, and things that really happened in the past." Lu also revealed that to paint a more accurate picture of history, he and his team had invested a lot of time and money. He had read many historical books and texts, and carefully designed the character models, costumes, props, etc.

Casting

Chow Yun-fat and Liu Ye were initially considered for the roles of Liu Bang and Xiang Yu respectively, but eventually the latter was cast as Liu Bang instead and Daniel Wu was chosen to play Xiang Yu.

Principal cast members Daniel Wu, Qin Lan and Liu Ye gained weight to prepare for their roles. Wu felt that he was too slim to portray the robustly built Xiang Yu, so he put on 10 kg by having seven meals a day. Qin increased her weight from 48 kg to 54 kg by consuming foods and drinks high in calories and fat in order to play a middle-aged Lü Zhi.[4] Qin portrayed Lü Zhi again in King's War, a 2012 Chinese television series about the Chu–Han Contention.

Yang Mi had promised director Lu Chuan to join the cast but she dropped out due to conflicts in her schedule.[6]

References
  1. (in Chinese) 《王的盛宴》造型照曝光 定档7月5日暑期上映
  2. http://www.chinesefilms.cn/141/2012/10/17/241s12297.htm
  3. (in Chinese) 《王的盛宴》多伦多全球首映 国际版海报曝光
  4. (in Chinese) 《王的盛宴》结束象山拍摄 项羽造型曝光
  5. (in Chinese) 《王的盛宴》转场康西草原 郝柏杰赶拍重场戏
  6. (in Chinese) The Last Supper on movie.mtime.com
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