The Everlasting Flame

Gu Jun’s film for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad Beijing 2008 strikes an adroit balance between the intimate and the spectacular. Gu starts by flitting between various places around the world where individual athletes are training and captures director Zhang Yimou (RAISE THE RED LANTERN, HERO) discussing logistics with his team and imparting his vision for the Opening Ceremony. Gu has what appears to be total access to the competitors, inside and outside the stadia.