Zhou Yu's Train
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Movie Reviews of Zhou Yu's Train
Movie Review: A Beautiful Movie
Summary: 4 Stars
This was a very beautiful movie. This movie is the type of movie that I consider to be a work of art. In some ways it reminds me a bit of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", in that the story is non-linear. Much of the time spent watching the movie is time during which you are just trying to figure out what the heck is going on. But that is a good thing, because it makes you think. This movie keeps you thinking for a long time after the movie is over.
It seems like most people fall into the "love it" or "hate it" category when it comes to this movie. I really liked it. I liked the artful imagery. I liked the intricate story. I liked the metaphorical visuals that the movie uses (such as the dream where Zhou Yu plays on the train track and refuses to get off though it will kill her).
However, this movie is not without its flaws. After you finally do figure the whole movie out, the story is kind of flat: A woman falls in love for unfathomable reasons with a loser who does not care for her and she subsequently refuses to leave him for the much cooler and better-looking veterinarian guy who actually does care for her. Why? I didn't get that part. That was one problem with it.
Another thing that we as viewers are required to suspend disbelief on is the number of trips this woman actually takes. Could a woman with a measly job like that really take 2 train rides a week? How does she get off of work? Where does she get the money? But art wins out over logic in this case, and you just have to drop those questions.
The biggest detractor in this movie (and the reason I will not give it 5 stars) is how the same actress plays two different people. That was unnecessarily confusing and complicated. It wasn't even necessary to have the other character in the movie. Having her there just keeps you wondering who the hell she is the whole time and why she looks exactly like our main woman. I guess they did it to save their budget. In any case, if you just try to ignore it, the movie is still enjoyable.
Movie Review: Visual Extravaganza ...
Summary: 4 Stars
Zhou Yu's train is a compelling albeit confusing movie. This is movie is watchable for the stunning cinematography and Zhou Yu's (Gong Li) surreal beauty alone. The story revolves around three characters. Zhou Yu, a gorgeous dreamy painter who falls head over heels for Chen Ching (a reluctant disheveled poet living in an old library in a distant city). The third character is a handsome veterinarian. Zhou Yu undertakes a bi-weekly train journey to meet Chen Ching. Chen Ching is a little withdrawn and is not sure if Zhou Yu likes him as a person or as a poet. This main story is knotted with another parallel story of Chen Ching's new friend who is Zhou Yu's look alike (Gong Li with shorter hair).
Amidst Gong Li's beauty and all the beautiful cinematography there is subtle philosophy. The veterinarian's laid back and simple outlook is very deceptive. He has an uncanny knack of sorting out complex problems. On one occasion, Zhou Yu is desperately searching for a lake alluded to by Chen Ching's poems. The veterinarian suggests, "If it exists in your heart, then it does exist". Pretty Simple, Eh!
The cinematography is breathtaking and the music score melodic. One of the best cinematographic shot is the veterinarian driving a manual service rail carriage along beautiful rolling hills into fading twilight with his white shirt fluttering in the breeze.
Never mind the confusing story. Just come on board Zhou Yu's train and enjoy the ride.
Movie Review: Very Pleasing
Summary: 4 Stars
I really love asain films because they seem to have a way of capturing such an artsy feel to them. The music, the scenery, the way the film is shot: asain movies are brought to another kind of level due to the amount of love put into them.
Zhou Yu's Train is another example of beauty in a film. Though this was not my favorite film (Star Runner was phenominal, a must see), it was still very pleasing to watch. The story revolves around Zhou Yu, a young woman struggling with her desires: should she stay with the poetic, quiet man who lives so far away he requires long train rides twice a week just to be able to see his face...or should she dare let herself fall for someone new? This is the question she faces when she meets up with Zhang, a veternarian who actually lives within distance of her own home. I must admit, this movie throws you for a loop, and I actually found myself rooting for the loud, obnoxious guy instead of the guy who is supposedly the true romantic. There is also something written on the back of this movie about a young woman who looks like Zhou Yu; but that really doesn't play that much into the movie...they make her seem like a stalker, but that's not really true.
All in all, this movie was beautiful and poetic, and a must see for any asian film fan!
Movie Review: Beautiful and philosophical albeit slow and confusing
Summary: 4 Stars
I read through the reviews and found all of the various interpretations of this complex movie to be valid. Still, I don't know what to believe! However, it doesn't detract too much from the film unless you need some concrete plot and a linear storyline. I picked this up for two bucks in a Big Lots (sorry Amazon) and consider it a hidden gem. There is much to savor in this movie, from the controlled acting to the breathtaking scenery to the philosophical jewels scattered here and there. I think my favorite was the line "a lover is a mirror that allows us to see who we really are" or words to that effect - I apologize for the lack of a photographic memory. It is because of moments like these that I sat through this slow-moving tale and would do so again. This is a great movie to see with your own mate as it might provide some wonderful opportunities to chat and discover yourself in the mirror of your lover.
Movie Review: Love is art
Summary: 4 Stars
This is not for those who do not appreciate art. This entire film was like watching a very very beautiful painting come to life.
The story line traces a woman's passion for a poet as well as another man's passion for the woman, who doesn't really acknowledge his love.
She is so full of the poet, that there is no room left for this man, a veterinarian. But his passion for her meets or exceeds that which she holds for the poet. As you watch, you develope understanding for each player. It's a great addition to an artistic film library.
Favourite shots - her walking away from the camera, skirts swinging.