The Go Master 2007

The Go Master delves into the remarkable journey of Wu Qingyuan, known as Go Seigen in Japan and hailed as the finest Go player of the 20th century. His extraordinary journey took him from China to Japan, where he embarked on a professional career at a mere teenage age. Drawing inspiration from Wu’s autobiography, this beautifully filmed and gracefully understated biopic examines the life of an exceptional individual, who is not only celebrated for his brilliance in the game of Go but also for the remarkable experiences he faced as a Chinese man living in Japan during a particularly tumultuous era.

Portrayed by the talented Chang Chen, known for his role in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Wu delivers a subtle yet deeply poignant performance that captures the film’s brooding lyricism. The film features notable co-stars, including Sylvia Chang, Matsuzaka Keiko, Emoto Akira, and Ito Ayumi. Furthermore, Wu Qingyuan himself makes a brief appearance in the film’s prologue. The exquisite costume design, crafted by the renowned Wada Emi, adds another layer of depth to this cinematic portrayal.

As the Sino-Japanese War erupts in the 1930s, Wu Qingyuan (played by Chang Chen) and his family find themselves in an increasingly precarious situation as they contend with their status as Chinese nationals in Japan. While Wu’s family opts to return to their homeland, he resolutely chooses to remain in Japan to chase his passion for Go. In the sheltered confines of his school, he immerses himself in the discipline and beauty of his art, while cherishing the love for his wife Kazuko (portrayed by Ito Ayumi). Yet, the surrounding chaos of the times eventually disrupts his peaceful life, leading to a profound internal struggle.

Tragedy strikes when Wu’s thriving career is abruptly halted after a motorcycle accident, which seems shrouded in suspicion and potential conspiracy from rivals within the Go community, where he had maintained an unassailable reputation as a victor. Following this unfortunate event, he finds himself hospitalized, unable to play Go due to severe brain trauma. Despite the sorrowful turn of events, the film offers a nostalgic conclusion, inviting viewers into the hallowed golden room of Go, a testament to Wu’s enduring legacy.