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To Live

Directed by Zhang Yimou
Film Movement Classics
1994
133 Minutes
Hong Kong, China
Mandarin
Classics, Drama, War, Asian
Asian Studies, Film Studies, History
Not Rated
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Fugui's (Ge You) gambling leads him to lose everything, including his wife, Jiazhen (Gong Li), and his home. Over the following decades, he struggles to live as a peasant. He tries joining a theater troupe, and then he enlists in the Chinese army in hopes of being a good citizen. Yet, just as things get better -- and Jiazhen and their baby daughter return to him -- the Cultural Revolution begins and tragedy continues to strike his family. Despite numerous hardships, Fugui never gives up hope. Presented in a new 4K restoration by Imagine Ritrovata, the restoration laboratory of Cineteca Di Bologna.

Cast

  • Ge You
  • Gong Li
  • Highest Rating
    "“To Live” is a simple title, but it conceals a universe."
    Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
  • Highest Rating
    "In two magnificent performances, Gong Li carries the story's emotions and Ge You the weight of history. Gong Li is, as always, a powerful heroine. But Mr. Ge is a revelation, evoking sympathy and pity as a man whose weakness causes him to bend like a reed in the changing winds of Chinese politics and whose strength allows him to endure the consequences."
    Caryn James, The New York Times
  • Highest Rating
    "To Live is as emotionally involving as a great soap. Zhang, the masterful director of The Story of Qiu Ju, Raise the Red Lantern, and Ju Dou, once again demonstrates his talent for composing strong visual tableaux [and] his ability to draw powerful performances from his stars."
    Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly
  • Highest Rating
    "Spellbinding... a masterpiece!"
    David Denby, New York Magazine
  • Highest Rating
    "Two thumbs up! One of the best films of the year."
    Siskel & Ebert
  • Highest Rating
    ""To Live" grows progressively in meaning and resonance as it develops. Highly recommended."
    Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
  • Highest Rating
    "“To Live,” which has been gloriously photographed by Lu Ye, is a remarkable accomplishment, spanning many years with both vibrant passion and absolute conviction. It is the most straightforward of all of Zhang’s films, and its simplicity of style serves perfectly its great themes, which are timeless and universal."
    Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

Gallery

Awards & Recognition

Winner
Jury Grand Prize
Cannes Film Festival
Winner
Best Actor
Cannes Film Festival
Winner
Best Film not in the English Language
BAFTA Awards
Winner
Top Five Foreign Language Film
National Board of Review, USA
Nominated
Palme d'Or
Cannes Film Festival
Nominated
Best Foreign Language Film
Golden Globes, USA
Official Selection
New York Film Festival

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