Movielogr
Ash Is Purest White (2018)
Directed by Jia Zhangke
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Overview
Set in China’s underworld, this tale of love and betrayal follows a dancer who fired a gun to protect her mobster boyfriend during a fight. On release from prison 5 years later, she sets out to find him.
Length 141 minutes
Actors
Zhao Tao | Liao Fan | Diao Yi'nan | Ding Jiali | Dong Zijian | Xu Zheng | Zhang Yibai | Zhang Yi | Feng Xiaogang | Jiamei Feng | Kang Kang
Viewing History (seen 1 time)
| Date Viewed | Device | Format | Source | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08/18/2019 | TV | Blu-ray | Library | 7 stars |
| (Average) 7 stars |
Viewing Notes
Small time street life “jianghu” criminals presented over a span of 18 years from 2001 to 2018 and the tragedy and sadness their lives bring together and separate. Quite a poignant film presenting a side of modern China you don’t get to see in film. Really nice piece of filmmaking between the acting and cinematography to the long takes and emotional story over this period of time. A lot of the film rests squarely on the shoulders of Zhao Tao; she is amazing and her journey is what kept me engaged.
This film got a very limited release in Chicago at maybe 1 or 2 theaters (in Chicago proper like River East) so I wasn’t able to see it on the big screen but damn this would’ve been so cool to see in theater. It has that sense of melancholy in Tao’s character that would be amplified in a theater experience. That plus the excellent photography and often desperate attempts to hold on to that which is most important to living would really boost the drama here. I feel that was something lost on my home viewing.
Was thrilled that I was able to get a new release Blu from my library network (believe this came from Highland Park) as usually these aren’t available right away. I haven’t been exposed to Jia Zhangke’s work but now I’d love to view his older films as well as see more of Zhao Tao.
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