Sunday, February 3, 2019

The Big Boss Screencap Analysis

This screencap is a wide aspect ratio, medium to close up shot. There are five people visible in this shot, which is outside on what looks like a large lawn. One man is slightly to the right of the center, in an eye-level close up. The frame cuts off everything but his chest up, as he appears to be on his knees. His hair is jet black. Bright red blood pools in a laceration under his right eye. He stares to the left of the shot. His mouth is agape.  He is not wearing a shirt and his hands are up in the air. Four armed men in olive drab uniforms surround him; three over his right shoulder and one to his left. The man to the right of the frame is pointing either a rifle, shotgun, or similar firearm at the man in the foreground. The other three uniformed men have nothing in their hands, but a pistol is visible on the one closest to the first man. The man on the ground and the armed men are in focus, but anything beyond the men is out of focus. In the background is the lawn upon which they stand. The lawn is framed by a wall in the very back which spans the width of the frame. To the left of the frame lies a pool or fountain. Behind the water feature is a large, brown, spherical sculpture. In the background there are several trees. Behind the wall appears to be a building with some additional foliage of its own.
Chao-an appears to be in an unwinnable situation, but the reality of this shot is that he truly has just won. He singlehandedly fought Hsiao Mi and his gang to avenge the innocent people they took advantage of.  He also appears to be either confused, shocked, concerned, or a combination of the three. He is likely contemplating what he has done, as it has many repercussions. He has broken his vow to his mother to abstain from violence and he has killed many men. As the officers surround him, he knows there is nothing to do; while he did what he thought to be just and fair, it was still a crime. Furthermore, he is in a situation in which his true nature is exposed to his potential love interest, Chaio Mei. She witnesses him fight and kill these men.