To Live (1994)
Short description
To Live is a 1994 Chinese drama film directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Ge You, Gong Li, and Niu Ben. The film tells the story of a family's struggles during the tumultuous years of the Chinese Revolution.
The film begins in 1948, when Xu Fugui (Ge You) is a wealthy gambler living in a small village in China. He has squandered away his family's fortune and is now living in poverty with his wife Jiazhen (Gong Li) and their two children, Fengxia (Niu Ben) and Youqing (Wang Fei). Despite their hardships, the family remains close-knit and supportive of one another.
The story follows the family as they experience the various political upheavals that take place over the next several decades. They are forced to flee their home during the Communist Revolution, only to return later when it becomes clear that life under Communism is not what they had hoped for. They are then forced to flee again during the Cultural Revolution, only to return once more when it becomes clear that life under Mao Zedong's rule is even worse than before. Throughout these tumultuous times, Xu Fugui remains steadfast in his commitment to his family and his belief that life will eventually get better.
To Live is an incredibly powerful film that captures both the beauty and tragedy of life during this period of Chinese history. The performances by Ge You and Gong Li are particularly noteworthy; they bring an emotional depth to their characters that makes them feel real and relatable despite their difficult circumstances. The cinematography also deserves praise; Zhang Yimou captures both the grandeur of China's landscapes as well as its harsh realities with stunning visuals that remain memorable long after viewing.
Overall, To Live is an emotionally powerful drama that offers a unique insight into Chinese history through its compelling characters and beautiful visuals. It's a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about this period of Chinese history or simply looking for an emotionally engaging drama with strong performances from its leads.