This movie is long. It is slow. It is beautiful. If that sounds like the kind of movie you like, then I highly suggest checking out this gem by director Diao Yinan. The cinematography is soft and yet sharp, highlighting the snow and icy town where most of the story takes place. In particular the lighting really sets moods for the film from it's beginning to the end. This is one of my favorite films, and I give it a 9/10. I docked one point for the sort of fantastical bit at the end. It reminds me a little of the butterfly scene in Lee Chang Dong's Oasis, and although it was an event that could realistically occur unlike the scene in Oasis, it somehow felt less accomplished. This is a very minor point however, and some may not mind at all. Overall fantastic film with a solid and believable portrayal by Liao Fan. Highly recommended for those who enjoy crime neonoir films and are interested in watching Chinese cinema and want something fresh.
very interesting film. I loved the female lead, the cinematography and the overall vibe. kind of slow not really for everyone. if u like slow independent films and interesting stories it is a good watch.
A deadbeat cop, a mysterious and beautiful woman, a string of unresolved murders... All the ingredients for an interesting Chinese take on noir cinema. It takes place in northeast China in winter, which you rarely see on screen, and makes great use of this environment. I really enjoyed the moody atmosphere, the melancholic and romantic mood, and the creative flashes of cinematography and direction (a shot of a woman screaming or of a man losing a bet, a quirky dance scene), which were delightful and caught you by surprise.
