Comment Wang-Fo fut sauvé

Main Plot

"Comment Wang-Fo fut sauvé," directed by René Laloux, is an animated adaptation of a short story by Marguerite Yourcenar. The plot centers on Wang-Fo, an elderly painter in ancient China, and his devoted disciple, Ling. Wang-Fo's extraordinary talent allows him to create paintings so lifelike that they seem to capture the essence of the world. One day, the Emperor, who once admired Wang-Fo's art, becomes disillusioned and orders Wang-Fo's arrest. The Emperor accuses the painter of deceiving him with idealized visions of reality, which led to his own dissatisfaction with the world. Facing execution, Wang-Fo is given one final chance to complete a painting. As he works, his art begins to blur the lines between reality and imagination, leading to an unexpected and transformative resolution. The film explores themes of artistic vision, the nature of reality, and the power of creativity.

Characters

• Olivier Cruveiller voices the Emperor, who initially condemns Wang-Fo but ultimately spares him, enchanted by the artist's profound talent and vision.
• Jean-Claude Dreyfus portrays Wang-Fo, a master painter whose art captivates and ultimately saves him from execution through the magical realism of his creations.

Ending Explained

'Comment Wang-Fo fut sauvé,' directed by René Laloux, is an animated adaptation of a short story by Marguerite Yourcenar. The film concludes with a poignant and surreal resolution. Wang-Fo, an elderly painter, and his disciple Ling are summoned by the Emperor, who is initially furious with Wang-Fo. The Emperor accuses Wang-Fo of deceiving him with his beautiful paintings, which made the Emperor disillusioned with the real world. In a dramatic turn, the Emperor orders Wang-Fo's eyes to be burned and his hands cut off, to prevent him from painting ever again. However, Ling pleads for Wang-Fo's life, suggesting that the master should be allowed to finish one last painting. The Emperor agrees, and Wang-Fo begins to paint a seascape. As Wang-Fo adds the final touches, the painting comes to life. The sea in the painting starts to move, and Wang-Fo and Ling step into it, escaping into the world of the painting. The film ends with Wang-Fo and Ling sailing away into the horizon, symbolizing the transcendence of art over the confines of reality.