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You Ge, Li Gong, Ben Niu, Guo Tao, Jiang Wu ... see more see more... , Liu Tianchi , Ni Dabong , Deng Fei

Zhang Yimou, often regarded as China's leading contemporary filmmaker, directed this drama chronicling the ebb and flow of one family's fortunes, set against the backdrop of China's tumultuous history... read more read more... between the 1940s and the 1970s. Fugui (Ge You) is the father of a once-wealthy family whose addiction to gambling and chronic bad luck causes him to lose his home in a game of dice with Long'er (Ni Dabong). Fugui's wife Jiazhen (Gong Li) abandons him, and he finds himself working as a peddler, until the man who now owns his home gives him a pair of shadow puppets. Fugui learns the art of puppetry and travels as a performer; while on the road, he is arrested by Nationalist forces, until he is liberated by advancing Red Army factions, and he comes him home to his wife and children as they adapt to the nation's new leadership. While once a lazy spendthrift, Fugui vows to change his ways, and he struggles to become a better worker and citizen. But Fugui and his family soon realize that there is adversity waiting for them around every corner, and the onset of the Cultural Revolution makes it clear that China's new regime can be as corrupt and callous as the old order. While a Grand Prize winner at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival and recipient of the Best Foreign Language Film award at the 1995 BAFTA Awards, Huozhe did not fare well in its homeland. Chinese censors objected to the film's commentary about political abuses in China's past, as well as Zhang Yimou's attempts to present the film at several international festivals. As punishment, he was forced to write a formal apology and was not allowed to make another film for two years. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

95% liked it

7,016 ratings

Critics

87% liked it

15 critics

R, 2 hr. 5 min.

Directed by: Yimou Zhang

Release Date: May 18, 1994

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DVD Release Date: July 1, 2003

Stats: 448 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (448)

  • itsjustme2004
    November 25, 2010
    itsjustme2004
    This was really good. Li Gong is recognizable from Hero (she's actually been in a lot of things). The scenes of mourning are painful to watch, because it is so real and honest. If you enjoyed other works by this director, (Hero, House of Flying Daggers and Curse of The Golden Flo... read morewer being the most famous) you will probably enjoy this....no martial arts, however. This is a moving drama with some interesting history. Well done film.
  • binky013
    July 30, 2007
    binky013
    I think it's safe to say that this is no love letter from Zhang Yimou to Chairman Mao. Any time any means of artistic expression must be destroyed, as with the burning of the puppets, you can be sure that the film, itself a form of artistic expression, is not making a positive s... read moretatement. An unrelenting look at the ravages of political change in China from the 1940s through the 60s, focusing particularly on one extremely unfortunate, yet in some ways extremely lucky family, if simply surviving equals good fortune. If you're a Li Gong or You Ge fan, you won't want to miss this one.
  • gator681
    April 20, 2010
    gator681
    [color=red]"To Live" is an emotionally powerful epic about a family living in China from the 1940's to the Cultural Revolution of the 1960's. I felt like this movie gave me the most realistic impression of living under Mao Zedong during this tumultuous period of time.[/color]
  • adfill7
    September 27, 2008
    adfill7
    An awesome foreign language movie that I watched in a history class.
  • mvieaddict
    October 24, 2009
    mvieaddict
    Image and video hosting by TinyPic
    To Live was my fourth movie that I have seen from this excellent Chinese director Yimou Zhang.It was beautiful and so real and heart... read morebreaking at times, you could feel the pain of the lead characters. Yimou traveled the viewer through three decades in the movie making us understand the people, their tragedy, respect, and adoration for the Communist. Gong Li was beautiful and I have seen her in the other movies of this same director. The movie was about this family going through life, surviving tragedies but they continue 'Living', That was the beauty of the film.
  • ileo
    August 1, 2009
    ileo
    Phenomenal! Great story plot that is ultimately endearing. The story centralizes on the ups and downs of a Chinese family. This is one of my absolute favorites among Yimou Zhang's movies. Great performance by Li Gong. Definitely worthy.
  • fb37708250
    February 20, 2012
    fb37708250
    Easily one of the most powerful films I've ever seen in any language; a stirring tale of one family's brave struggle to hold it together despite seemingly impossible odds. The story unfolds amidst the ever-shifting cultural and political backdrop of China from the 40's all the wa... read morey up until the 70's but despite the epic scope, the film's attention never strays away from the main characters Fugui and Jiazhen (played to stunning perfection by You Ge and Li Gong) and their fight to maintain their marriage and their forward progression in life despite all of the forces that seem to be allayed against them. Most viewers many not be able to relate to the specific circumstances that these people face but the bigger picture will be impossible to miss. Certainly, the themes that are explored here including the importance of persevering through trials and tribulations and falling back on the strength of family for love and support in tough times are universal in meaning and impact. More to come later...
  • jjb3332003
    January 19, 2012
    jjb3332003
    Though historically interesting, I was surprised to find this film a bit bland. Yimou Zhang definitely developed a much greater sense of flair in his later pictures. Li Gong is as beautiful and talented as ever.
  • thetzeng
    July 7, 2007
    thetzeng
    A beautiful film, whether or not you can understand Chinese. Everyone should watch this film. Once again, not for those with short attention spans.
  • matricialynnicus
    May 26, 2007
    matricialynnicus
    Zhang Yimou has done better films. The story is more about China than any of the characters in the film. So you are waiting for the characters to improve, but really they just go through trials and tribulations. My mom figured it should have been titled, "Life's Just One Damn ... read moreThing After the Other.

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Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz
February 15, 2008
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

It rushes through history as if it were firemen rushing to a fire. Full Review

Pablo Villaca
March 29, 2006
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena

Acompanhar a conturbada vida política chinesa entre as décadas de 40 e 70 através de uma perspectiva intimista é uma idéia inteligente e promissora. Infelizmente, parte da força se perde em função do ...

Dan Lybarger
November 19, 2003
Dan Lybarger, Nitrate Online

As is typical with Zhang's films, this one is gripping and leaves you with admiration for the brave souls who survive under totalitarian rule.

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
August 30, 2002
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

Presents a sober view of Chinese life where the destinies of individuals are determined by forces beyond their control. Full Review

Steve Rhodes
January 1, 2000
Steve Rhodes, Internet Reviews

I have never seen a more anti-Communist movie. The horrors of this ideology were everywhere. Full Review

Lisa Schwarzbaum
September 7, 2011
Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly

Click to read the article Full Review

Derek Elley
March 26, 2009
Derek Elley, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Caryn James
May 20, 2003
Caryn James, New York Times

No review available.

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Click to read the article Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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