Puppetmaster, The

Aroview: The turbulent pre-WWII history of Taiwan is woven into this epic yet simple docu-drama of the early years of famous puppeteer Li Tianlu, who practised under decades of Japanese occupation.

Told through direct address from an aged Li Tianlu himself, this showcases some exquisite puppet theatre amid reconstructed episodes from his memoirs. The director's minimalist style is not for all tastes, but a vivid sense of Chinese folk-culture prevails.

NZ International Film Festival 1994