4/4  My favorite film of all-time
It is amazing how as humans we can connect on some sublime, emotional level, regardless of cultural background. I felt myself connect on that level with the characters of this fantastic film, which was directed by auteur Zhang Yimou. Banne... (read full)

5/5 A different view of a different life.
  by Eva J. Jones (Cam., CA)
This video will remain in my library. It is a candid look at life in the Chinese part of the world years ago. It is a riches to rags story with lost emotions for the whole family.

5/5 To Live, Huozhe - The Chinese Gone With The Wind
  by nmollo (London)
I saw this film at the Curzon Cinema in London's West End in 1994. A soon as the first frame appeared I knew I was watching a Classic.

This Film has to be one of the all time greats. One reviewer called it "The Chinese Gone With The Wind" and I agree to a point.

The central performances in this film are masterful. Li Gong and You Ge are incredible. They age before your eyes with hardly any make-up. It is all relayed in performance. Watch the amazing body movement of Li Gong in the last reel as she convinces us she is an aged woman. Remarkable!!!

The emotions in this film are strong and it is hard now to be moved by them. I particularly love the scene when they both unravel the soaking wet letter. This scene is played with such truthfulness that at points you feel you are watching a slice of real life and not a big budget Chinese movie.

Yimou Zhang is one of the best Directors alive today if not the best. He consistently produces brilliant films his latest being the exception.

Please read my Review of Curse of the Golden Flower

5/5 On the edge of my seat!
  by Gonzalo C. Centeno (Downey, California United States)
Gong Li seems to be forwever beatiful, and her acting is superb in this production. In my opinion, she is "Catherine Deneuve" of the east.

5/5 A masterpiece
  by N. Bhatt
An outstanding masterpiece that arcs across several decades of Chinese history in the 20th century. A sweeping tale of the turbulent times, splendidly enacted by an outstanding cast and shepherded by a brilliant director. It is the "Gone with the Wind" of China.