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Reviews
Bian Lian (1995)
Very touching and atmospheric movie
This movie beautifully captures the sights, sounds, and even the smells (almost) of old China. But what makes this movie a jewel is that it brings to life, in the story of a filial granddaughter, all the joys and heartbreaking moments of the first half of the 20th century in China. I've never watched a movie that could bring such warmth to a time and social milieu so injust. Most Chinese movies which depict the second-tier (more like animal-tier) level of treatment and value given to women in much of Chinese history always have a forced feel to them. However, this movie really breaks your heart without making you lose faith in humanity, and the believability of the atmosphere is simply amazing!
Highly recommended.
Solas (1999)
Very touching. Great acting.
This movie reminds me of the themes in "One Hundred Years of Solitude." It deals with being isolated even though you have family. The movie has very touching themes and is focused on relationships between people. The ending is especially touching and poetic, as it shows how the ones we think of as lonely may be the only ones who can teach us to connect with others and have faith in humanity.
The acting was wonderful. The mother's eyes exuded such a deep sadness and yet so much love and patience. The old man was instantaneously lovable. Even the dog did a wonderful job. The woman's fiery personality was completely believable, and her lover was realistically a jerk. This movie has so much going for it, and it's refreshing to see a movie that touches on the distinctly human qualities, both good and bad, and carry them across so realistically. The movie never gets tiring, and I always felt I was personally invested in the lives of all the characters. Highly recommended.