Film director Chen Kaige steps into the world of television with a 24-part series based on his movie hit Together.

Chen Kaige has won international critical acclaim for his films and is undoubtedly one of China's most prominent and influential movie directors. His achievements include Farewell My Concubine, Temptress Moon, The Emperor and the Assassin and Together. Now television can be added to this fifth-generation filmmaker's long list of credits with the release of the TV version of Together, due to be aired later this month.

The 24-part series, which will debut on Shanghai's East Movie Channel, is set to be one of the highlights of TV viewing this year. "Love is the central theme in the series which deals with the relationship between a father and his son. It reflects what happens around us every day," says Chen, who served as artistic director for the TV version.

The film "Together" won three Golden Roosters (China's version of the Oscars) for best director, best supporting actor and best film editing in 2002. "When the film was released in the United States, it was quite popular and won the Audience Award for Best Feature in the local film festivals of New York, Chicago, Washington, Florida and San Francisco." says Chen Hong, Chen Kaige's wife and producer for both the film and TV series.

"We had such affection and passion for the story that we decided to adapt it to television. Films usually have a 90-minute time limit which restricts character development. This series allowed us to reveal more of the characters' personalities and explore the theme -- TV is a good choice," she says.

"Together" is a heart-warming contemporary tale of a 13-year-old violin prodigy and his impoverished father's determined attempt to give him a better life. Chen admits his love of classical music inspired him to write the film. "Life is always inspiring," he says. "I want to show the social changes taking place in China."

In the story, 13-year-old Liu Xiaochun lives with his father, Liu Cheng, in a small village. The shy, sensitive teenager uses music to express his feelings. His entire life changes when his father decides he should go to Beijing to audition for a prestigious music school.

The boy's new world is daunting and unfamiliar. He meets demanding teachers, discovers true friendship, falls in love and learns the true meaning of music. He struggles with conflicting opinions about what is best for him and he must decide what he wants to do, on his own. High school student, Jiayang Sangzhu, plays the role of Liu in the series.

It's the first time the Tibetan-born youth has acted professionally and already he's attracting praise for his talent. "Liu's fatherly love for Xiaochun has touched me a lot," says Jiayang. Veteran actor Liu Peiqi plays the father in both the film and TV series.

"This is a story that belongs to ordinary people. I think the film is popular with Western audiences because it's a story about love yet love has no boundaries," he says. "I have really enjoyed the TV version because I've been able to explore the character."

The TV version does have some surprises for audiences. One new element is A Hui played by the famous Chinese anchor and actor Cheng Qian. Audiences will soon discover A Hui is actually Lui Xiaochun's real father who abandoned his son at an early age. "A Hui is a very tragic figure," Cheng notes. "He's a complex character and I have been deeply moved by the role."

Film fan Zhu Xuebing, 40, says he is just one of many who looks forward to watching the TV series. "I have seen the film version three times," Zhu says. "It's not just a story of old and new China. It's about the tremendous power of love between father and son. It really comes from the heart, and I don't think I'll be disappointed by the TV version."

The poster for the film Together, directed by China's prominent director Chen Kaige.

(eastday.com May 12, 2004)