The Moon Palace

The Moon Palace 大酒楼 (Da jiu lou) 

Dir. Qiu Jiongjiong. 2007, 104 mins. In Chinese with English subtitles. Qiu’s remarkable debut The Moon Palace is an experimental black-and-white documentary portrait of his father, a project he initiated in 2006 after discovering that his parents were closing their restaurant after fourteen years. In the film, Qiu alternates vivid evocations of Sichuan opera with his father’s paeans to wine and his aunties’ reminiscences about politics, art, persecution, and movie stars. Simulated, non-synchronous interviews, a superb hybrid score, and a curious dancing chicken magically coalesce into a patriarchal portrait at once rambunctious, probing, nostalgic, and critical.  

Tickets: $15 / $11 senior and students / $9 youth (ages 3–17) / discounted for MoMI members ($7–$11). Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission. Review safety protocols before your visit.