Movie Suggestion: Ji Sor

[Chet]

The discussion on Brokeback Mountain made me think of a movie I saw in the late 1990s, a Chinese movie called Ji Sor. The term "ji sor" literally translates to mean "self-comb", a variation of the "combing" ritual that is performed on the eve of a person's wedding, to signify marriage. The standard "combing" ritual is done by a person in charge of the wedding rituals, but "ji sor" is done by the person herself to take on a vow of singlehood. Yes, herself - "ji sor" is an act of self-determination for Chinese women.

Anyway, back to the movie - it centres on two main female characters, one of them who performed the "ji sor" ritual, who then meets the second woman and they become very close friends. The movie is beautifully shot, and if you have a chance to see it, please do!

Here's a link to the IMDB info page:
Ji Sor (http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0133028/)

Couple of reviews:
Review 1 (http://www.seattlequeerfilm.com/99/films/film5.htm)
Review 2 (http://www.lesbian-films.com/movies/Intimates.htm)

[Bat]

That sounds like a really wonderful story, Chet...I will try to find it, if it is available here. Thanks.

[DaveM]

I am fascinated as well....should I ever get back to the land where I can rent movies....I'll be looking for this one.

[hoops]

gotta find that one, sounds great chet!
peace
hoops

[DaveM]

Blockbuster does not appear to have it. It is listed on IMDB, as Chet mentioned, but I've been unable to find much mention of it anywhere else.

[Chet]

I didn't expect it to be easily available. Maybe in Chinatown in the bigger cities? I'm also looking for a DVD copy as the one I own is VHS format and I don't have a VHS player anymore. In any case, I doubt the tape would play even if I do have one.

I've actually forgotten the details of the movie - the older woman returning to China, the flashbacks, etc.

[Chet]

The whole movie is on YouTube. The best version is posted by bluebrite - very clear, and the subtitles are readable, too.

Her version has 12 parts. Part 1 is here:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=a5FcP6KK_xc

Enjoy!

[Chet]

*bump bump bump*

[hoops]

thank you chet!
peace
hoops

[Bat]

Yes, Chet, thank you! I've put it in my faves and will watch it when I have the chance to sit and take it all in. Appreciate your finding it for us.;)