1275 A Confucian Confusion / Mahjong: Two Films by Edward Yang

[Finch]

In this pair of sharp, sprawling satires, one of Taiwan’s most celebrated filmmakers, Edward Yang, captures the anything-can-happen mood of Taipei at the end of the twentieth century. Made in between his epic dramas A Brighter Summer Day and Yi Yi, A Confucian Confusion and Mahjong find Yang applying a lighter but no less masterly touch to his explorations of human relationships in an increasingly globalized, hypercapitalistic world. These intricately constructed ensemble comedies—one set in a cutthroat corporate milieu, the other in a shady criminal underworld—reveal the absurdity and cynicism at the heart of modern urban life.

Film Info
Spine #1275
Films In This Set
A Confucian Confusion
A Confucian Confusion 1994
Edward Yang’s first foray into comedy may have been a surprising stylistic departure, but in its richly novelistic vision of urban discontent, it is quintessential Yang. This relationship roundelay centers on a coterie of young Taipei professionals whose paths converge at an entertainment company where the boundaries between art and commerce, love and business, have become hopelessly blurred. Evoking the chaos of a city infiltrated by Western chains, logos, and attitudes, A Confucian Confusion is an incisive reflection on the role of traditional values in a materialistic, amoral society.

Mahjong
Mahjong 1996
Edward Yang’s follow-up to A Confucian Confusion is another dizzying comedy set in a globalized Taipei, but with a darker, more caustic edge. Amid a rapidly changing cityscape, the lives of a disparate group of swindlers, hustlers, gangsters, and expats collide, with a naive French teenager (Virginie Ledoyen) and a sensitive young local (Lawrence Ko) who tries to protect her caught dangerously in the middle. By turns brutal, shocking, tender, and bitingly funny, Mahjong is a dazzling vision of a multicultural Taipei where nearly every relationship has a price and newfound prosperity comes at the expense of the human soul.

TWO-BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES
New 4K digital restorations, with 5.0 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks
Excerpts of director Edward Yang speaking after a 1994 screening of A Confucian Confusion
New interview with editor Chen Po-wen
New conversation between Chinese-cultural-studies scholar Michael Berry and film critic Justin Chang
Performance of Yang’s 1992 play Likely Consequence
PLUS: An essay by film programmer and critic Dennis Lim and a 1994 director’s note on A Confucian Confusion

New cover by Tori Huynh

[andyli]

Performance of Yang’s 1992 play Likely Consequence

Likely the same thing that is on A Brighter Summer Day? Not the first time Criterion appropriate one of their own extras for a second use. This is not a trend I like... hey, why not produce a 2hr30 video essay on these two films?

[ryannichols7]

once again it's a "complain it's not a 4K/has little extras" but "be grateful you got it at all" situation, wash rinse repeat

just one Tony Rayns interview. I'd probably have shut up if that was there

[denti alligator]

What does it say about me that the releases I most want are not in 4k?

[nicolas]

once again it's a "complain it's not a 4K/has little extras" but "be grateful you got it at all" situation, wash rinse repeat

just one Tony Rayns interview. I'd probably have shut up if that was there

Perfectly said. This should’ve absolutely been a set with as many of his films as possible and all in 4K. The stars would’ve aligned now with Yi Yi having been restored too. Criterion contributed a lot towards giving Yang much deserved (US) exposure but this would’ve been the cherry on top without that much effort necessary on their part.

[ryannichols7]

once again it's a "complain it's not a 4K/has little extras" but "be grateful you got it at all" situation, wash rinse repeat

just one Tony Rayns interview. I'd probably have shut up if that was there

Perfectly said. This should’ve absolutely been a set with as many of his films as possible and all in 4K. The stars would’ve aligned now with Yi Yi having been restored too. Criterion contributed a lot towards giving Yang much deserved (US) exposure but this would’ve been the cherry on top without that much effort necessary on their part.

Criterion has quite literally made Yang a name in the US. if you go back and read reactions to Yi Yi's original DVD release, people were upset at the time cause it already had a New Yorker DVD or something silly. that DVD (and following Blu-ray, which was a surprise upgrade back in 2011) did numbers for Yang's exposure and audience in America. it landed us a mainline, non WCF release of A Brighter Summer Day and the rest has been history since - you have celebs naming the movies in their letterboxd top 4s and all! Yang is clearly as popular as ever and they have such a huge play with that, so it can't help but feel a little disappointing we didn't see the grand release here

it does seem there's some sort of rights issue in the US/UK with Terrorizers. and we know now that That Day, on the Beach is with Shout, but that's one title I can see them sub-licensing to Criterion...anyway, I look forward to this release and the inevitable 4K of A One and a Two (it's my 3rd favorite movie of all time and that's what the English title is intended to be, sorry to be pendantic)

[nicolas]

once again it's a "complain it's not a 4K/has little extras" but "be grateful you got it at all" situation, wash rinse repeat

just one Tony Rayns interview. I'd probably have shut up if that was there

Perfectly said. This should’ve absolutely been a set with as many of his films as possible and all in 4K. The stars would’ve aligned now with Yi Yi having been restored too. Criterion contributed a lot towards giving Yang much deserved (US) exposure but this would’ve been the cherry on top without that much effort necessary on their part.

Criterion has quite literally made Yang a name in the US. if you go back and read reactions to Yi Yi's original DVD release, people were upset at the time cause it already had a New Yorker DVD or something silly. that DVD (and following Blu-ray, which was a surprise upgrade back in 2011) did numbers for Yang's exposure and audience in America. it landed us a mainline, non WCF release of A Brighter Summer Day and the rest has been history since - you have celebs naming the movies in their letterboxd top 4s and all! Yang is clearly as popular as ever and they have such a huge play with that, so it can't help but feel a little disappointing we didn't see the grand release here

it does seem there's some sort of rights issue in the US/UK with Terrorizers. and we know now that That Day, on the Beach is with Shout, but that's one title I can see them sub-licensing to Criterion...anyway, I look forward to this release and the inevitable 4K of A One and a Two (it's my 3rd favorite movie of all time and that's what the English title is intended to be, sorry to be pendantic)

I had no idea about what you stated in the above paragraph, so thanks for that! That does explain the situation a bit more but I’m with you re. Criterion and Shout ideally having found a way to work together this one time towards making a more complete set possible. Not sure what Shout of all labels want to do with That Day on the Beach other than selling it as a barebones limited BD through their website as an exclusive. Here’s hoping for the best with we h edition as we’re surely not getting much more after this new round of releases and upgrades.

[dda1996a]

Confucian Confusion is a masterpiece!
Happy to finally have a chance to see Mahjong and finish all Yang's films!

[Maltic]

once again it's a "complain it's not a 4K/has little extras" but "be grateful you got it at all" situation, wash rinse repeat

just one Tony Rayns interview. I'd probably have shut up if that was there

Let's see how the conversation with Michael Berry and Justin Chang plays. Not usually a fan of this format for extras, but it can work.

I remember finding Berry's book on Jia Zanghke's early films helpful back in the day.

[Aunt Peg]

Well colour me red. Only two weeks ago I ordered A Confucian Confusion from Nova which I expect to arrive next week.

However, my Nova order was also included Yang's Terrorizers which I had to replace as my Blu Ray disc from Taiwan released in the early 2010's has bronzed so I can't really complain.

It goes without saying that I'll be double dipping to get Mahjong.

[zedz]

once again it's a "complain it's not a 4K/has little extras" but "be grateful you got it at all" situation, wash rinse repeat

just one Tony Rayns interview. I'd probably have shut up if that was there

Perfectly said. This should’ve absolutely been a set with as many of his films as possible and all in 4K. The stars would’ve aligned now with Yi Yi having been restored too. Criterion contributed a lot towards giving Yang much deserved (US) exposure but this would’ve been the cherry on top without that much effort necessary on their part.

If I can be heard over all the whining about the "lack of extras", I'd like to report that the extras on this set are extensive and superb. The Yang press conference runs nearly an hour in which he talks thoughtfully and extensively about his working process and intentions. The Michael Berry / Justin Chang discussion is well-informed and detailed, and focused specifically on these two films, with lots of information that was new to me. This is also extensive (45 minutes), and the interview with Yang's editor Chen Po-Wen (half an hour) offers further fresh perspectives. Even leaving aside the repeat of Likely Consequence (which actually fits better here than it did on the Brighter Summer Day disc), this is valuable and extensive material. But why bother actually watching it when you can just jump online and slag it before the disc is even released?

[yoloswegmaster]

If I can be heard over all the whining about the "lack of extras", I'd like to report that the extras on this set are extensive and superb. The Yang press conference runs nearly an hour in which he talks thoughtfully and extensively about his working process and intentions. The Michael Berry / Justin Chang discussion is well-informed and detailed, and focused specifically on these two films, with lots of information that was new to me. This is also extensive (45 minutes), and the interview with Yang's editor Chen Po-Wen (half an hour) offers further fresh perspectives. Even leaving aside the repeat of Likely Consequence (which actually fits better here than it did on the Brighter Summer Day disc), this is valuable and extensive material. But why bother actually watching it when you can just jump online and slag it before the disc is even released?

You actually watch the extras? I thought we were only supposed to whine about the quantity, not the quality.

In all seriousness, I appreciate seeing comments on the extras like this since there is rarely any posts like this. In fact, this is probably the first time in a while that I've seen anyone comment on the quality of the extras of any release around here.

[ryannichols7]

I don't think it's unjust to have made my original post. I did pick up this set in the November set and will be watching it soon (I was on vacation and Eyes Wide Shut in 4K was priority #1), but I think it's wholly unfair to critique me for what, at the time, seemed to be pretty scant extras. I am happy to watch both and provide my feedback once I do - which wouldn't be the first time that I have done so regarding extras on this forum in the last few months. but a certain user who loves to critique me wouldn't know that, since I'm supposedly on their ignore list

I do think it is right to take up the issue that this release wasn't a 4K release, a point the very administrator of our site also raised (he also commented on the lack of extras while praising what is here, though I don't see either of you calling him out...but I digress)

[zedz]

Sorry, but I don’t have much respect for people who (negatively) review a release before they even buy it. And I see you’re still claiming there’s a lack of extras- there are three hours of extras here!

[Beloved Aunt]

The austerity is a real thing though, and a genuine change from the past. I, Beloved Aunt, decree that--let there be complaining about Austerity Criterion, and let there be intelligent discussion of what materials such Austerity produces!!

[ryannichols7]

Sorry, but I don’t have much respect for people who (negatively) review a release before they even buy it. And I see you’re still claiming there’s a lack of extras- there are three hours of extras here!

alright, and I don't have much respect for your tactless attack on me when I echo a critique that many others share as well. I will happily watch and write up these extras in response to your goofy snipe, but it's totally not out of question to raise this concern. would you do the same for Chris, who admittedly did actually watch the extras and still came away with a 6/10 score? his reviews are more influential to me than anyone else and certainly pushed Eyes Wide Shut's third disc up the queue for me more than tackling this Yang set. funnily enough, while I am writing up my thoughts on those extras (again, in response to you and yoloswag claiming I and others don't do so), I'm still in total agreement with Chris - what is on that disc is excellent, but you can't help but long for something more scholarly. for the Yang disc, before I watch it, I base my critique of Criterion's "a conversation between ___" extras on previous iterations - which at times can be good (I think of the one on Double Indemnity) but others can be a little more frivolous, like Criterion Channel fodder (The Koker Trilogy had a memorably disappointing entry). I'm glad to hear you think the one here is good, something echoed by Chris and other reviewers. it certainly makes me more excited to view it, even if I'm a bit dimmed by your needless attacks on me for no particularly good reason

also, it's indisputable that this should've been released on 4K. I could let the discs sit unwatched for years and I would still be right on that, so that's one "negative review" I will not back down from. I'd say the same for Mississippi Masala and several other releases

[zedz]

You really should just watch the (scholarly ) extras before you keep digging that hole of yours.

[cdnchris]

To be fair,.one of the extras was also on A Brighter Summer Day, though arguably fits better with A Confucian Confusion here (I think anyways).

[ryannichols7]

You really should just watch the (scholarly ) extras before you keep digging that hole of yours.

I already addressed that I was going to, but sure. only so much time in a day to watch stuff. at least I actually explained myself and took the time to write it a thoughtful response compared to your barbs...I don't really understand what "hole" I'm digging here aside from your (completely unnecessary) spewing of negativity towards my opinions

[Michael Kerpan]

I guess Edward Yang, in the end, just has a style that doesn't agree with me. I found Confucian Confusion mostly a mis-fire. Neither interesting nor funny -- mostly sort of vaguely annoying. Too much shouting, too much fighting, too much talking (with mostly uninteresting dialog), unlikeable characters. While I remember liking Yi Yi a lot more than this, I also recall some of the same underlying dissatisfaction. Some lovely cinematography here and there, however. It is funny that some critics seem to lump Yan and Hou together -- as I cannot imagine more disparate styles.

Oh well. Maybe Mahjong will work better.

[Matt]

Michael, have you watched A Brighter Summer Day or Taipei Story? I think those are much closer in style to (but not really like) Hou's films. I still haven't rewatched them on this release, but on my previous viewings A Confucian Confusion and Mahjong felt, to me, like deliberate divergences from Yang's previous style, and Yi Yi something of a return to form.

[andyli]

By the time Yang made Yi Yi, he'd become a much calmer filmmaker. Yi Yi's characters mostly have likeable and relatable aspects, maybe except for some of NJ's colleagues. Conversations are very well written in general, the best of which is written in English (!) between two near-strangers from different culture backgrounds (Mahjong allows him some exercise in that respect), filled with empathy, humor and wisdom of life. I think the fact that Yi Yi is more a Japanese film than a Taiwanese one aids this transformation. It gives the film a much needed outsider's view of the Taiwanese society.

[Michael Kerpan]

Some of my very favorite moments of Yi Yi were the English conversationss between the Japanese and Chinese businessmen. Yi Yi left me ambivalent -- it had quite a few aspects/sections I utterly loved -- but others that really felt unpleasant to watch.

I have seen Brighter Summer Day -- which was not nearly as offputting. But even that did not have anywhere near the appeal to me of Hou's contemporary work. I would rate it more (for my purposes) mostly "okay" rather than "liked to a considerable extent".