To Live (Huozhe) (1994)
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87% of critics liked it
(15 reviews) -
94% of users liked it
(7,126 ratings)
Zhang Yimou, often regarded as China's leading contemporary filmmaker, directed this drama chronicling the ebb and flow of one family's fortunes, set against the backdrop of China's tumultuous history between the 1940s and the 1970s. Fugui (Ge You) is the father of a once-wealthy family… More Zhang Yimou, often regarded as China's leading contemporary filmmaker, directed this drama chronicling the ebb and flow of one family's fortunes, set against the backdrop of China's tumultuous history between the 1940s and the 1970s. Fugui (Ge You) is the father of a once-wealthy family whose addiction to gambling and chronic bad luck causes him to lose his home in a game of dice with Long'er (Ni Dabong). Fugui's wife Jiazhen (Gong Li) abandons him, and he finds himself working as a peddler, until the man who now owns his home gives him a pair of shadow puppets. Fugui learns the art of puppetry and travels as a performer; while on the road, he is arrested by Nationalist forces, until he is liberated by advancing Red Army factions, and he comes him home to his wife and children as they adapt to the nation's new leadership. While once a lazy spendthrift, Fugui vows to change his ways, and he struggles to become a better worker and citizen. But Fugui and his family soon realize that there is adversity waiting for them around every corner, and the onset of the Cultural Revolution makes it clear that China's new regime can be as corrupt and callous as the old order. While a Grand Prize winner at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival and recipient of the Best Foreign Language Film award at the 1995 BAFTA Awards, Huozhe did not fare well in its homeland. Chinese censors objected to the film's commentary about political abuses in China's past, as well as Zhang Yimou's attempts to present the film at several international festivals. As punishment, he was forced to write a formal apology and was not allowed to make another film for two years. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Yimou Zhang
- Genres
- Art House & International, Drama
R,
- In Theaters
- May 18, 1994 Wide
- Studio
- Hallmark Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It rushes through history as if it were firemen rushing to a fire.
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Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Acompanhar a conturbada vida política chinesa entre as décadas de 40 e 70 através de uma perspectiva intimista é uma idéia inteligente e promissora. Infelizmente, parte da força se perde em função do roteiro excessivamente melodramático.
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Dan Lybarger, Nitrate Online
As is typical with Zhang's films, this one is gripping and leaves you with admiration for the brave souls who survive under totalitarian rule.
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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Presents a sober view of Chinese life where the destinies of individuals are determined by forces beyond their control.
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Steve Rhodes, Internet Reviews
I have never seen a more anti-Communist movie. The horrors of this ideology were everywhere.
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