Born in Beijing to a family rooted in Changle, Fuzhou, Chen Kaige entered the Beijing Film Academy after a stint as a sent-down youth and PLA serviceman, graduating in 1982 and joining Guangxi Film Studio. His debut, Yellow Earth (1984), became a landmark of the Fifth Generation for its striking visuals and narrative daring, followed by works such as The Big Parade and King of the Children. A 1987…
