The Passing on of Wisdom
Decoding A Rose Reborn part 4
Themed with a young man’s journey for seeking knowledge and eventually transforming himself to be truly devoted to the world, the film A Rose Reborn also addresses the carrying on of splendid traditions. Director Park Chan-wook imperceptibly connects the DNA of Ermenegildo Zegna into this project of fashion and film, revealing the innovative spirit of this Italian Mansion.
The Zegna family states that “Our mission is to look to the future and turn our tradition to good account.” The brilliant heritage of the family has now been passed onto the fourth generation. Not only about making their way in the business world, but they also respect the environment and local communities, and are committed to maintain the “culture of beauty”, hoping to make it a better world.
Director Park has finely brought in the brand’s attitude into this elegant and philosophical film. A sophisticated and subtle presentation in the first episode depicts the craftsmanship of the brand. There is an imagined connection of the past and the present in the first episode when Stephen is in the men’s boutique. The footage of the great Ermenegildo Zegna is being shown on the screen in the boutique, and the young Ermenegildo Zegna comes out from the backroom to take measurement for Stephen. The brand’s heritage and craftsmanship are personified and emphasized here.
A Rose Reborn is not only talking about developing oneself, a family or a corporate with the extension of heritage. But a much greater scope that both Zegna and director Park are highlighting – social responsibility, the creation and maintenance of harmony and well-being with the society and our environment. Take a look at schemes established by Zegna including Oasi Zegna, Zegna Foundation and Ermenegildo Zegna Founder’s Scholarship to protect nature, society and culture to improve our world.
The mysterious but cool Mr Lu takes up the role as a mentor to enlighten Stephen by adventures and riddles. From the mine to a museum in Shanghai, then finally a cemetery in Milan, he has guided Stephen to look at things from different angles. Various riddles related to life and death, have been used as inspirational tools by Mr Lu throughout the journey to coach Stephen, for him to learn and think deeper. Eventually, Stephen has transformed and prepared himself to contribute to our world selflessly.
You might have found that the director has deliberately added in shots of Stephen travelling on plane throughout the film. The 3 different flights denote his growth and change when more knowledge is passed onto him. At the beginning of the journey, Stephen is placed in an isolated cubicle in the first class being served by a flight attendant. The self-centred yet luxurious setting contrasts with the next economy class flight in which he has to fight for space with an overweight man and tolerate the noise coming from a crying baby – a tough trip with a bit of “pain” signifies growing up. When it comes to the last flight, the baby has grown into a child. The growth of the child corresponds to the learning path of Stephen who eventually evolves into a new man considering the needs of others and offering help to them.
