So first things first, this is my first zhangke movie so i scrolled through his filmography and unexpectedly i see that in the span of 20-30 years he and the protagonist (Zhao Tao) work together? Kinda cool, i added some of them.

So first things first, this is my first zhangke movie so i scrolled through his filmography and unexpectedly i see that in the span of 20-30 years he and the protagonist (Zhao Tao) work together? Kinda cool, i added some of them.

Past Lives, but make it more raw, rough and unforgiving.

Chinese slow cinema that is just so beautiful and meditative to watch. The fact that my parent’s hometown is close to the area(s) where this movie takes place makes it all the more special to me. I’d genuinely be curious to see how my parents would react to this depiction of relationships juxtaposed against changing landscapes and the passage of time as a country modernizes and cultural values shift.

Past Lives, but make it more raw, rough and unforgiving.

Chinese slow cinema that is just so beautiful and meditative to watch. The fact that my parent’s hometown is close to the area(s) where this movie takes place makes it all the more special to me. I’d genuinely be curious to see how my parents would react to this depiction of relationships juxtaposed against changing landscapes and the passage of time as a country modernizes and cultural values shift.

The first half of this was a beautiful portrait of 2000s Chinese life in a third tier city and how fast it changed. Saw so much of my own extended family in the characters and dialogue (less crime lmao). The scenery and dialogue brought back childhood memories I had genuinely forgotten. Eric Gautier also did a wonderful job.

Unfortunately, felt the final act was a drag. I understand why it was made, and understand it was intentionally designed to be disorienting, but damn it dampened some of the great themes from the first 2 acts. It also got painfully explicit - I get time moves fast - I don't need to see 3 Huawei closeups, or hear someone say 'add me on WeChat'.

I also understand Jia Zhangke needs to work within government boundaries, but I felt the 'change' to Chinese society at times could have been a lot more nuanced. The core theme of technology and falling behind is a pretty universal experience. There are amazing themes of culture and society here that were danced around that could have made this a generational film.

The first half of this was a beautiful portrait of 2000s Chinese life in a third tier city and how fast it changed. Saw so much of my own extended family in the characters and dialogue (less crime lmao). The scenery and dialogue brought back childhood memories I had genuinely forgotten. Eric Gautier also did a wonderful job.

Unfortunately, felt the final act was a drag. I understand why it was made, and understand it was intentionally designed to be disorienting, but damn it dampened some of the great themes from the first 2 acts. It also got painfully explicit - I get time moves fast - I don't need to see 3 Huawei closeups, or hear someone say 'add me on WeChat'.

I also understand Jia Zhangke needs to work within government boundaries, but I felt the 'change' to Chinese society at times could have been a lot more nuanced. The core theme of technology and falling behind is a pretty universal experience. There are amazing themes of culture and society here that were danced around that could have made this a generational film.

As opposed to Caught By the Tides, where having seen all of Jia’s work greatly enhances the film, Ash Is Purest White dampens having seen all of Jia’s work. Going back and starting again in the world of Unknown Pleasures is tough. It feels like all of these ideas and emotional beats have been explored before. Literally nothing new; seeing Zhao Tao wander through The Yellow river for the third time is just boring. I did enjoy the acting; especially Bin’s character. He was the probably the best part.

4/10

As opposed to Caught By the Tides, where having seen all of Jia’s work greatly enhances the film, Ash Is Purest White dampens having seen all of Jia’s work. Going back and starting again in the world of Unknown Pleasures is tough. It feels like all of these ideas and emotional beats have been explored before. Literally nothing new; seeing Zhao Tao wander through The Yellow river for the third time is just boring. I did enjoy the acting; especially Bin’s character. He was the probably the best part.

4/10

A genre-straddling adventure. Fight scenes, road trips, romance, a middle section full of comedic hijinks, and a scene on a train that’s so painfully beautiful it’s a masterpiece on its own. A great filmmaking patchwork.

Highly Recommend

A genre-straddling adventure. Fight scenes, road trips, romance, a middle section full of comedic hijinks, and a scene on a train that’s so painfully beautiful it’s a masterpiece on its own. A great filmmaking patchwork.

Highly Recommend