Together (He ni zai yi qi) (2002)

73% of critics liked it
(77 reviews)
88% of users liked it
(4,318 ratings)

Chen Kaige's first Chinese film since the poorly received, Hollywood-produced Killing Me Softly is based on a true story of an adolescent violin prodigy coming of age in Beijing. Raised in a small town, Xiao Chun (Tang Yun) is brought to Beijng by his devoted single father, Lui Cheng (Liu Peiqi),… More Chen Kaige's first Chinese film since the poorly received, Hollywood-produced Killing Me Softly is based on a true story of an adolescent violin prodigy coming of age in Beijing. Raised in a small town, Xiao Chun (Tang Yun) is brought to Beijng by his devoted single father, Lui Cheng (Liu Peiqi), who recognizes his talent and is determined to make him a success. After losing a rigged competition for admission into a prestigious music school, Xaio Chun is taken as a student by a brilliant but distracted teacher, Jiang (Wang Zhiwen), and begins to become distracted himself by his twenty-something party-girl neighbor Lili (Chen Hong). He eventually leaves Jiang for more rigorous study under a more famous teacher, Professor Yu (played by director Chen himself), which leaves him torn between his burgeoning career and the loving father who has sacrificed so much for his benefit. Woven throughout the narrative are trenchant comments about the changing face of modern Beijing. ~ Tom Vick, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 58 min.
Directed By: Kaige Chen
Written By: Kaige Chen, Xue Xiao Lu
Genres: Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Art House & International

In Theaters: May 30, 2003 Limited
On DVD: Nov 18, 2003
Studio: United Artists

Critic Reviews

Susan Walker, Toronto Star
It's a touching film in which the actors, including director Chen Kaige in the role of Prof. Yu, deliver heart-touching performances.
Ray Conlogue, Globe and Mail
If you're in the mood for tears and triumph, with a dash of exoticism, Together may well be the film for you.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
As the movie progresses, it builds in power, so that by the end you're helplessly invested in the triumphs of its young hero.
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
[T]here's really everything to recommend in here; beautifully directed, wonderfully acted and it's just a great looking film.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
It's undeniably a melodrama, but there's enough real emotion lurking beneath the manipulative tear jerking to make the movie a worthwhile and occasionally genuinely moving experience.
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post
[Liu's] dreams may not be as vast or grandiose (or bloody) as other Chen characters, but they are immense, and immensely endearing, just the same.
Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness
Never wavers from its serviceably warm and fuzzy path.
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
...a small-scale movie set in modern Beijing that comes right up to the brink of mawkishness and is saved only by some residual inscrutability in the narrative.
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
This film has wonderful music in it, and a pretty good story. The acting is solid and the cinematography is excellent.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Reeks of sentimentality and mawkish characterizations.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
A powerful film that should have been much better.
David Cornelius, eFilmCritic.com
Together is a drama of exceptional, elegant beauty... it's the kind of movie that makes you smile, that breaks your heart, that keeps you watching for more.
Don Willmott, Filmcritic.com
a story of old China versus new, of the transforming power of music, and of the love between a father and his son
Jeff Vice, Deseret News, Salt Lake City
So scattered, so full of pointless digressions, that it never really comes together.
Sean Means, Salt Lake Tribune
With gorgeous images by cinematographer Kim Hyungkoo and with Chen Kaige's observation of telling details, Together becomes a sweet story with a tart kick.
Marjorie Baumgarten, Austin Chronicle
The performances are all terrific, but Together never jells as a compelling narrative.
Jack Garner, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
[Film-goers] are treated to lots of lovely music, both Western and Asian, as well as a vibrant look at the arts in modern China.
Derek Tse, Jam! Movies
Together is a pretty good film, but is a story you've seen a thousand times at the movies.

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Featured Audience Ratings

E.J. B

Another masterpiece from one of Asian cinema's best filmmakers. Beautiful, touching, and boasting memorable and real characters.
Saskia D

I have to admit: I didn't see the first 20 minutes, but it grabbed me immediately. It's about the love between a father and a son. The father wants to give his boy the chance to become a famous violinist, even if this means they can't be together (there's a… More
I have to admit: I didn't see the first 20 minutes, but it grabbed me immediately. It's about the love between a father and a son. The father wants to give his boy the chance to become a famous violinist, even if this means they can't be together (there's a beautiful story behind it all). The boy feels responsible for the people around him and will do just about anything to please them. What can I say more.. Great characters, great movie, see it! <div style="width:900px;"><a href="http://www.flixster.com/servlet/embed/photo/link/11271777"><img src="http://www.flixster.com/servlet/embed/photo/11271777.jpg" border="0"/></a><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10px;"><a href="http://www.flixster.com">
Bruce B

Outstanding Film, All Subtitles, But this didn't take away from the movie, Very Intense, A Must See.

Cast

Yun Tang
as Liu Xiaochun
Peiqi Liu
as Liu Cheng
Hong Chen
as Lili

Zhiwen Wang
as Prof. Jiang
Kaige Chen
as Prof. Yu Shifeng
Qian Cheng
as Hui

See full cast

Together (He ni zai yi qi) (2002)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

E.J. B

Saskia D

Bruce B

Cast

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