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Xun Zhou, Jia Hongshen, Nai An, Jia Hongsheng, Hua Zhingkai ... see more see more... , Anlian Yao , An Nai , Hongshen Jia , Zhongkai Hua

Recalling both Vertigo (1958) and Chungking Express (1994), Chinese director Lou Ye spins this riveting tale of obsession and love. The film opens with shots of the Suzhou River, which is clogged with... read more read more... the detritus and pollution of a rapidly expanding Shanghai. Narrated by an unseen freelance videographer, the film focuses on motorcycle courier Mardar (Jia Hongsheng), who specializes in black marketeering and is asked by a shady alcohol smuggler to shuttle his young attractive daughter Moudan (Zhou Xun) to her Auntie's every day while the thug entertains his latest sexual conquest. Though at first the youth resists his precocious passenger's advances, the two soon fall for one another. In spite of this, Mardar reluctantly agrees with a group of sleazy associates to a scheme to kidnap Moudan and extract a ransom from her father. When Moudan learns of Mardar's betrayal, she runs to throw herself into the Suzhou river -- apparently to her death -- cursing Mardar and saying that she will come back as a mermaid and haunt him. A few years later, Mardar is released after a stint in prison and returns to Shanghai, where he encounters Meimei (also played by Zhou), a nightclub dancer who performs in an aquarium as a mermaid and who is dating the videographer/narrator. Haunted by his past and unnerved by her resemblance to Moudan, Mardar soon becomes obsessed with Meimei. At first, Meimei brushes off Mardar's advances, until he tells her of his sordid past. Soon, she dumps the videographer in favor of her ardent pursuer, while Moudan and Meimei fuse in Mardar's fragile psychology. This film won the top prize at the Rotterdam Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi

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82% liked it

2,444 ratings

Critics

87% liked it

30 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 23 min.

Directed by: An Nai, Anlian Yao, Hongshen Jia, Hua Zhingkai, Jia Hongsheng, Nai An, Xun Zhou, Ye Lou, Zhongkai Hua

Release Date: November 8, 2000

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DVD Release Date: October 23, 2001

Stats: 118 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (118)

  • davidrliu
    August 24, 2007
    davidrliu
    Lou Ye's audacious retelling of "Vertigo," thrust into the decaying heart of a modernizing China, has "stream-of-consciousness" written all over it: the literal title (and Shanghai landmark) pervades each disconnected soul and twisted memory as individuals mull over illusions of ... read morelost love. Lou's borrowing of Wong Kar-wai's improvisatory jump-cutting and Brechtian narration work well to an extent here, but it's the film's distinctive aura that makes it work: "Suzhou River", like its namesake and characters, seems to exist purely in a dream state amidst the stark neorealism of an all-too-real urban setting.

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Critic Reviews

J. Hoberman
August 17, 2001
J. Hoberman, Village Voice

The showy jump cuts and off-kilter close-ups belie an extremely well edited, even supple, piece of work. Full Review

Peter Stack
February 7, 2001
Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle

This atmospheric film, even with its self-conscious style, is a show of major talent by Lou. Full Review

David Rooney
February 7, 2001
David Rooney, Variety

A compelling story of love and obsession... Full Review

Richard Corliss
February 7, 2001
Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine

Lou Ye lays out a ravishing wasteland of femmes fatales and lovelorn tough guys -- all in 79 minutes. Full Review

Kenneth Turan
February 7, 2001
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

An assured exercise in high cinematic style, it references a variety of films and filmmakers -- Alfred Hitchcock not the least of them -- but what it is preeminently is alive and dynamic. Full Review

A.O. Scott
January 1, 2000
A.O. Scott, New York Times

Offers impeccable attitude and captivating atmosphere, but little emotional or intellectual impact. Full Review

Peter Brunette
January 1, 2000
Peter Brunette, Film.com

A delight to the eye, ear, and mind.

Michael Dequina
December 26, 2006
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com

The ambiguity of its story and its lush, painterly images give the film a dreamlike quality, but it taps deep into the soul of genuine, soul-aching romantic longing. Full Review

Nick Davis
January 23, 2004
Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks

Gorgeous, enigmatic movie that probably adds up to very little, but Ye is a tantalizing imagemaker.

Jeffrey M. Anderson
May 27, 2003
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid

An appealing little show-off of a movie by a young first-timer practicing his licks. Full Review

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