The Story of Qiu Ju (B- or 2.5/4 stars)
Gong Li stars in 'The Story of Qiu Ju' directed by the great Zhang Yimou (Ju Dou, Raise the Red Lantern). Gong Li portrays a stubborn, yet idealistic peasant woman who wants a wrong righted against her husband. During an argument with the head village chief, said husband is kicked in his groin. Qiu Ju considers this offense to be a gross abuse of power.
She awaits an apology but, of course, one never comes. Although pregnant {very far along, at that}, she travels into town to pursue this matter with the local authorities. Not satisfied at all with their judgment -- some $$ compensation/settlement, but no apology or any admission of guilt -- she decides to take the matter to the city, then the county seat and eventually ... to the capitol.
This movie offers a relatively engrossing look at modern day China where the contrast btwn. rural & urban life is as stark as it comes. The film also examines the different levels of morality in a society where preserving one's honor & bureaucratic nonsense are predominant. But more interesting than any of that would be the human portrait of a woman so consumed with justice for her husband that she is willing to put everything on the line for it/him -- until in an unwonted & amusing reversal of fortunes, she sees her situation from quite the different standpoint.
You know the 'ole adage: be careful what you wish for, because you just may get it. Though this film isn't top top tier or as consistently engaging as it could be, I find no fault in Zhang Yimou's intentions, in his craftsmanship, or in Gong Li's expertise performance that would garner an Academy Award nomination if I had any say in the matter.
She awaits an apology but, of course, one never comes. Although pregnant {very far along, at that}, she travels into town to pursue this matter with the local authorities. Not satisfied at all with their judgment -- some $$ compensation/settlement, but no apology or any admission of guilt -- she decides to take the matter to the city, then the county seat and eventually ... to the capitol.
This movie offers a relatively engrossing look at modern day China where the contrast btwn. rural & urban life is as stark as it comes. The film also examines the different levels of morality in a society where preserving one's honor & bureaucratic nonsense are predominant. But more interesting than any of that would be the human portrait of a woman so consumed with justice for her husband that she is willing to put everything on the line for it/him -- until in an unwonted & amusing reversal of fortunes, she sees her situation from quite the different standpoint.
You know the 'ole adage: be careful what you wish for, because you just may get it. Though this film isn't top top tier or as consistently engaging as it could be, I find no fault in Zhang Yimou's intentions, in his craftsmanship, or in Gong Li's expertise performance that would garner an Academy Award nomination if I had any say in the matter.