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Bury Me High

Name: Bury Me High
Director: Tsui Siu-Ming
Released: 1991
Duration: 102 min

Representation Score

7.8/10

Good

1991

Director

Tsui Siu-Ming

Runtime

102 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Bury Me High succeeds in shifting the focus away from Western perspectives by featuring characters of color in key roles. The narrative structure avoids colonial storytelling by emphasizing Eastern metaphysical concepts and regional political conflicts. While the film doesn't include LGBTQ+ representation or non-traditional gender identities, it offers strong female protagonists and a non-Anglo-centric worldview, which provide fresh departures from typical adventure stories. However, the portrayal of disability might rely heavily on illness as a plot device rather than offering deeper character development.

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Category Breakdown

Does Bury Me High have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on the central trio's quest for fortune. There are no characters with non-traditional gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Bury Me High portray gender?

Good

Women play important roles in driving the story. Anna Wong handles a corporate crisis, while Nguen Van Vong fights as a skilled rebel, challenging the idea that martial arts are a male-dominated activity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Bury Me High?

Excellent

The story centers on Chinese Americans and local Asian rebels. It avoids the typical Western explorer narrative by focusing on Eastern metaphysical ideas like feng shui.

How does Bury Me High represent religion and culture?

Good

The plot explores ambitions and power dynamics influenced by post-colonial history. Traditional local customs and spiritual ceremonies are central to the story's stakes.

Does Bury Me High include disability representation?

Fair

Wisely is a character facing terminal brain cancer. This diagnosis provides high stakes, though it may function primarily as a plot device to create urgency.

Present on Screen

Strong racial diversity through a non-Western perspective.
Subversion of gender stereotypes with powerful female characters.
Integration of Eastern metaphysical concepts like feng shui.
Exploration of complex post-colonial political dynamics.

Limited or Absent

Lack of LGBTQ+ representation or non-traditional gender identities.
Potential for disability to serve mainly as a plot device.

Official Synopsis

In a mountainous region in an Asian backwater banana republic, it is said that the descendents of all those buried in its earth will be blessed with fantastic fortune and good health. However, if a special ceremony is not performed on the grounds, then the luck will only last for 24 years. A trio of Chinese Americans decide to venture into these mountains hoping to change their luck; Anna Wong (Moon Lee) is an executive facing a corporate meltdown, Wisely (Chin Ka-Lok) is dying of brain cancer, and UCLA Prof. Chang (Tsui Siu-Ming) is an expert in feng shui. Tin can potentate General Nguen (Yuen Wah) also has designs on the grounds -- hoping to turn his third world, fourth rate country into a superpower. Along the way, the three heroes fall in with a group of local rebels, including the high-kicking Nguen Van Vong (Sibelle Hu).

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