The Tale of the Peony

“Open Your Eyes” suggests a moment of awakening, a shift in perception that reveals what has long been overlooked. This film approaches that idea from two directions. First, it explores female awakening. Inspired by the story of Yu Xuanji, the narrative examines how a talented woman is gradually shaped, judged, and even demonized by rumor and social expectations. The visual transformation of her body into fragile paper and blooming peonies reflects both vulnerability and resistance. By foregrounding her perspective, the film invites viewers to “open their eyes” to the historical silencing of women and to reconsider how female identity is constructed and perceived. Second, the film “opens the eyes” through technology. AI tools are used to reinterpret traditional Chinese aesthetics, including xuan paper textures, zhiguai imagination, calligraphy, and classical music. Rather than replacing tradition, these new tools reveal new ways of seeing cultural heritage, allowing historical imagery and storytelling to emerge in a contemporary visual language.