Nearing the end of his life, Wang -- a locally renowned street performer and wizard of the venerable art of mask magic -- yearns to pass on his technique. But custom decrees that he can only hand down his craft to a male successor. Anxious to preserve his unique art, the heirless Wang buys an impoverished 8-year-old on the black market. But when the child divulges a dreaded secret, Wang faces a choice between filial love and societal tradition.



Rated NR 1 hour 41 minutes 1999

4.5 stars (Dale-4, David-5). I can get really bored with the onslaught of violence, senseless action, and shallowness of American films....but here is a reason why I find some Chinese films so engrossing. The King of Masks is a beautifully crafted film that explores deep human emotions and cultural prejudices. The acting, especially 'Doggie' is remarkable. Even the monkey, General, should get an award!!!