To Live (Huozhe)

A very good movie

“Since this movie has a really solid reputation, I was really eager to check it out. Well, I wasn't disappointed and, after each movie I watch from this director, I understand more and more why Zhang Yimou was considered as one of the greatest directors in the 90's. Indeed, it was such a fascinating tale which was, at the same time, actually pretty simple and yet it was still told on a epic scale and this combination was quite amazing. Basically, it was the story of an average  family trying to simply live but you had to witness them experiencing the impact of some major events on their lives through decades of Chinese history as a background. You could argue that it did feel like a Communist propaganda film at times, especially in the beginning, when the main character found salvation onl” read more

My favorite Asian movies (36 movies items)

"Original Title: 'Huo zhe' Country: China Directed by: Zhang Yimou With: Gong Li Plot: After Fugui and Jiazhen lose their personal fortunes, they raise a family and survive difficult cultural changes during 1940s to 1970s China. Note: It was such a fascinating tale which was, at the same time, actually pretty simple and yet it was still told on a epic scale and this combination was quite amazing. Basically, it was the story of an average family trying to simply live but you had to witness "

Watched in 2016 (247 movies items)

"14.7. Zhang Yimoun elokuvassa kommunismi on ihan parasta ja muutenkin järkevin vaihtoehto saada tunnustusta tekemisistään. Noin muuten leffa pyörii hengissä selviytymisen ympärillä ja sisältää ajatuksia siitä, miten vallitsevat instituutiot ja ideologiat vaihtuvat ja tavallisen ihmisen ei oikein auta kuin vetää mukana. En ole aivan varma, onko tämä se ainoa oikea ratkaisu."