Question 1

True or false: Chen Kaige studied film at the Beijing Film Academy alongside Zhang Yimou.

Accepted Answer

True. Both were part of the famous 'Fifth Generation' directors, graduating in 1982.

Question 2

True or false: Chen Kaige won the Palme d'Or at Cannes for 'Farewell My Concubine' in 1993.

Accepted Answer

True. This was the first Chinese film to win the Palme d'Or, cementing his international fame.

Question 3

True or false: Chen Kaige's film 'Yellow Earth' is considered a landmark of Chinese Fifth Generation cinema.

Accepted Answer

True. Released in 1984, it broke from traditional storytelling with its stark visual style and political themes.

Question 4

True or false: Chen Kaige served as a soldier in the Chinese army during the Cultural Revolution.

Accepted Answer

False. He was sent to a rural commune for re-education as a 'sent-down youth,' not a soldier.

Question 5

True or false: Chen Kaige's father, Huai'ai Chen, was also a renowned film director in China.

Accepted Answer

True. His father, Chen Huai'ai, was a well-known director, which influenced Kaige's early exposure to cinema.

Question 6

True or false: Chen Kaige's 2005 film 'The Promise' was a box office hit in China but panned by critics.

Accepted Answer

False. It was a critical and commercial disappointment, often cited as one of his worst films.

Question 7

True or false: Chen Kaige directed the Hollywood film 'The Last Emperor' starring John Lone.

Accepted Answer

False. 'The Last Emperor' was directed by Bernardo Bertolucci; Chen Kaige had a small acting role in it.

Question 8

True or false: Chen Kaige was married to actress Gong Li during the filming of 'Farewell My Concubine'.

Accepted Answer

False. Gong Li was Zhang Yimou's muse and partner; Chen Kaige was married to other women.

Chen Kaige Trivia Questions