A National Treasure

The Puppetmaster showcases the memoirs of a puppeteer during and after the Japanese occupation of Taiwan in the World War II era. Director Hao Hsiao-hsien (City of Sadness and Dust in the Wind) celebrates the life of the renowned Taiwanese puppeteer Li Tien-Lu, a guy considered to be a "national treasure," as he tries to survive and preform during the political and social hardships of the time. This narrative follows Li from childhood to adulthood and to his days preforming in a troupe of puppeteers, to his struggle with Japanese authorities, and through the poverty of military occupation. Richard Suchenski, the director of the Center for Moving Image Arts at Bard College, will be present to introduce and discuss the film’s importance and impact. It screens at 7:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, and admission is free. (Wintucky)