There seems to be a commentary and critique hidden in To Live's intertextuality and symbolism, which add to the film's pleasures in the grand epic style.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Feb 20, 2022

His film grows progressively in meaning and resonance as it develops. Highly recommended.

| Apr 11, 2019

It's a film of handsome backdrops and often complexly comic scenes, but also of stultifying pointlessness.

| Apr 10, 2018

| Original Score: A | Sep 7, 2011

A well-crafted but in no way earth-shaking entry in the helmer's oeuvre.

| Mar 26, 2009

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

| Original Score: C+ | Feb 15, 2008

Zhang's purpose is less to show the oppressive iniquities of Mao's era than to evoke the optimistic spirit that allowed people to survive it.

| Jun 24, 2006

Acompanhar a conturbada vida poltica chinesa entre as dcadas de 40 e 70 atravs de uma perspectiva intimista uma idia inteligente e promissora. Infelizmente, parte da fora se perde em funo do roteiro excessivamente melodramtico.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 29, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 4, 2005

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.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Nov 19, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Aug 22, 2003

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 30, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | May 20, 2003

There is no mistaking the political toughness of this melodrama's message.

| May 20, 2003

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

| Aug 30, 2002

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 1, 2001

| Original Score: 5.5/5 | Jan 1, 2000

| Original Score: 4/4 | Jan 1, 2000

It's a good movie from a genuinely gifted filmmaker and no less worthy for not being great.

| Jan 1, 2000

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

| Original Score: 4/4 | Jan 1, 2000