To Live, 1994
The second of three films we're screening from Chinese director Yimou Zhang.
Director: Yimou Zhang
Origin: China | Hong Kong
Languages: Mandarin | Japanese
Running time: 125 min
A bold, energetic masterpiece from Zhang Yimou, the foremost director from China's influential "fifth generation" of filmmakers. Continuing his brilliant collaboration with China's best-known actress, Gong Li, Zhang weaves a tapestry of personal and political events, following the struggles of an impoverished husband and wife (Ge You and Li) from their heyday in the 1940s to the hardships that accompanied the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. (from Netflix.com)
U.S. box office: $2,332,728
Watch the trailer on Netflix.
Read Yimou Zhang's biography from the New York Times.
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Review of last week's film ("Ju Dou", directed by Yimou Zhang, 4 stars)
Steven says: This was more melodramatic than I expected, but the over-the-top story was matched by the intense imagery, color, and themes. Described by some as a morality play, it shows us how freedom of choice has undesired consequences, especially in a time and culture where life is dictated more than lived. The makeshift transportation for a paralyzed character was especially creepy; that was balanced by the ingenuity of the mechanics behind the 1920s dye mill.
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