My nephew votes this movie to be an 8 out of 10. For point of reference, he is 14 years old, and is going to be in 9th grade after Summer.
So, I asked what he liked about the movie: He liked the storyline and the ending. The main characters were really good actors. It was just a good movie overall. He warns, "JUST DON'T WATCH THE TRAILER. It made the movie look bad."
Now, me, his uncle, this is what I think: If you're an empathetic person, and can "live vicariously" through the characters and understand their situation, you will be moved by many scenes in the movie. I, myself, was forming some tears in a few scenes.
It is a family drama, and is realistic. Being Asian, I can empathize with the cultural dynamics.
Some fun facts direct from the director. :) (If my notes and hearing are correct):
The movie was shot in 4 and 1/2 months. (Wow, that's fast! BUT, the movie is very professionally made, done with love and attention. The scenes are beautiful visually. The locations, wow!)
From preproduction work, to shooting, to editing and post, was a total of 6 years. (That's a LOT of work.)
It was filmed in China in 13 cities, 13 provinces, and on 46 sets.
The film has been to 14 festivals, and has won 19 awards.
200 tons of red earth had to be carried manually by people, up the hill/mountainside to disguise an asphalt road for a scene.
********* SPOILER: Don't quote me on this, but the street scene where one lady (wife?) was kidnapped, had 600(? maybe it wasn't the scene, but total in costume department? Sorry, I can't remember.) costumes in it! Talk about a major wardrobe/costuming department. SPOILER end **********
Christina Yao, the director, is such a nice lady. :D Thank you for sharing your time, stories, and answering all our questions. It was a terrific, interesting, and informative experience for my nephew and me. Your 3 hours with our small group of 12 was over and above expectations. Thank you!
Take care, Huy
So, I asked what he liked about the movie: He liked the storyline and the ending. The main characters were really good actors. It was just a good movie overall. He warns, "JUST DON'T WATCH THE TRAILER. It made the movie look bad."
Now, me, his uncle, this is what I think: If you're an empathetic person, and can "live vicariously" through the characters and understand their situation, you will be moved by many scenes in the movie. I, myself, was forming some tears in a few scenes.
It is a family drama, and is realistic. Being Asian, I can empathize with the cultural dynamics.
Some fun facts direct from the director. :) (If my notes and hearing are correct):
The movie was shot in 4 and 1/2 months. (Wow, that's fast! BUT, the movie is very professionally made, done with love and attention. The scenes are beautiful visually. The locations, wow!)
From preproduction work, to shooting, to editing and post, was a total of 6 years. (That's a LOT of work.)
It was filmed in China in 13 cities, 13 provinces, and on 46 sets.
The film has been to 14 festivals, and has won 19 awards.
200 tons of red earth had to be carried manually by people, up the hill/mountainside to disguise an asphalt road for a scene.
********* SPOILER: Don't quote me on this, but the street scene where one lady (wife?) was kidnapped, had 600(? maybe it wasn't the scene, but total in costume department? Sorry, I can't remember.) costumes in it! Talk about a major wardrobe/costuming department. SPOILER end **********
Christina Yao, the director, is such a nice lady. :D Thank you for sharing your time, stories, and answering all our questions. It was a terrific, interesting, and informative experience for my nephew and me. Your 3 hours with our small group of 12 was over and above expectations. Thank you!
Take care, Huy