Jia narrates it with a raw style that never loses its point of effect, capturing the experiences of young misfits consumed by the pleasure of cultural alienation that Chinese postmodernism brings. [Full review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 7/10 | Nov 5, 2023

It is precisely this resignation, this matter of factness about the state of things, that weakens the film, makes it, despite the care that has gone into it and the sensitivity of the treatment, somewhat forgettable.

| Feb 16, 2021

Zhangke's micro-vignettes about early twenty-first century China's cultural impotence on the world stage...are reminders of how far the country has come as a developing superpower.

| Original Score: 7/10 | May 8, 2020

Jia creates some poignant images to convey key transitions in the characters' lives.

| Jan 11, 2008

[Director Zhang-ke] Jia's virtuoso long takes, choreographed mise en scene, and feeling for character and behavior place him in a class by himself.

| Jan 11, 2008

Lays bare the tao of contemporary China, like a doctor taking a pulse.

| Jun 24, 2006

The plot meanders as aimlessly as the characters, with the trio getting in and out of minor scrapes, brushing themselves off, and moving on to the next one.

| Sep 16, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Aug 21, 2005

One of the better films of the 21st century.

| Original Score: A | Mar 29, 2004

The film just sits there, staring back at us.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Jun 27, 2003

Jia Zhang Ke delivers what may well be his finest work to date.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 24, 2003

In its effort to evoke pity, Unknown Pleasures chiefly evokes agitation and frustration.

Full Review | May 1, 2003

Too much is left unsaid.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Apr 11, 2003

despite the distinct lack of good times and belly laughs, Unknown Pleasures is a great film.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Apr 11, 2003

Despite the fact that there's little dramatic arc, little dialogue and little joy in the lives of its characters, Unknown Pleasures is riveting.

| Apr 7, 2003

[Music] has the ability to connect with everyone, and perhaps international audiences will connect with the Chinese youth of Unknown Pleasures for the exact same reason.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 4, 2003

Hard to turn away from, but also damn hard to sit through ... there is a difference between inspiring a sense of alienation in one's audience, and merely alienating them

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 4, 2003

This sequel to Jia's excellent 1997 drama Xiao Wu is less original and absorbing than its predecessor, and less visually impressive than Platform.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Apr 3, 2003

While there are some beautifully shot, subtle moments in the film that encapsulate the desperation and degradation of the characters, the director ends up alienating his audience in an attempt to display the alienation of his characters.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Mar 31, 2003

The actors in Unknown Pleasures generate sympathy from their sullen good looks as much as any acting ability.

| Mar 29, 2003