The King of Masks

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The King of Masks

1996

1h 41m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

19 Reviews

91%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

In 1930s China, aging street performer Wang (Zhu Xu) yearns for a male heir to inherit the secrets of his renowned magical act. Though he refuses an offer to join the opera, he heeds the advice of female-impersonating opera star Liang (Zhang Zhigang) to find an heir. Wang soon buys an 8-year-old orphan named Doggie (Zhou Renying). When his new heir reveals a desperate secret, Wang must choose between following the strictures of society and the fatherly love he feels for his new protégé.

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Jan 1, 2000

3/4

A new Chinese film of simplicity, beauty and surprising emotional power.

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

Sep 13, 2020

3.5/4.0

Mesmerizing and unforgettable, The King of Masks will win your heart.

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Mark Halverson

Sacramento News & Review

Aug 7, 2008

4/5

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Aug 22, 2005

2/5

Michael Dequina

TheMovieReport.com

Feb 18, 2005

3.5/4

This charming, '30s-set fable offers richer rewards than a jolt of adrenaline.

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Susan Tavernetti

Palo Alto Weekly

May 20, 2003

2/4

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John A

@ExcessMale Jan 3, 2025

An almost Kurosawan or perhaps Spielbergian tale cemented by Zhu Xu's naturalistic portrayal.

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May 25, 2019

The most powerful and moving movie I have ever seen. Every Producer and Director should watch this as an example of how a simple story can make an outstanding and poignant movie without the need for violence, nudity, and special effects.

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Feb 9, 2013

(***): [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img] Interesting and well-acted.

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Jan 11, 2013

Brilliantly acted, and so eloquently paced, The King of Masks bears a few flaws but its innocent power of children and elders triumphs over all else

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Jun 23, 2012

Colorful and treacly at the same time.

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Feb 18, 2012

The movie feels much older than it is, but it's well done. You'll love the child actor who plays "Doggie" and will get a fascinating glimpse of a China that once was (and maybe still is, in certain parts).

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Tian-Ming Wu

Director

Zhu Xu

Bianlian Wang

Zhou Renying

Gou Wa

Zhang Zhigang

Luo Sulan

Minglun Wei

Writer

Titus Ho

Producer

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Synopsis

In 1930s China, aging street performer Wang (Zhu Xu) yearns for a male heir to inherit the secrets of his renowned magical act. Though he refuses an offer to join the opera, he heeds the advice of female-impersonating opera star Liang (Zhang Zhigang) to find an heir. Wang soon buys an 8-year-old orphan named Doggie (Zhou Renying). When his new heir reveals a desperate secret, Wang must choose between following the strictures of society and the fatherly love he feels for his new protégé.

Director: Tian-Ming Wu
Producer: Titus Ho, Mona Fong
Screenwriter: Minglun Wei
Production Co: Shaw Brothers
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Chinese
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 3, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.1M
Runtime: 1h 41m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SR

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