By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4 cats
Director: Xiaoshuai Wang
Starring: Lin Cui | Shuan Li | Xun Zhou | Yuanyuan Gao
Original language title: Shiqi sui de dan che
Country: china, taiwan
Year: 2002
Running time: 113
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0276501
Michael says: “Here was a startling film that begins as a charming, warm-hearted tale of a country boy struggling to cope with life in the big city of Beijing, and ends as a cynical, pointed look at today’s society, and the hardened values that are needed to survive. Guei is the central character, a young man, recently transplanted from the country, who finds work as a bicycle messenger. Just as he is about to pay-off his new bike, it is stolen. When he finds Jian, a school boy from the city, riding his bicycle things become very complicated. The bicycle is certainly a ubiquitous symbol in China, as they fill the streets and quickly become essential possessions for these two young men. The startling, and serious ending to this film really draws out the thought and discussion.” 4 1/2 cats
Diane says: “Too bad I haven’t seen ‘THE BICYCLE THIEF’ to make some clever comparisons with BEIJING BICYCLE, but I do know that they cover the same basic premise: a bicycle is needed to make a living, the bicycle is stolen by another needy person, the original owner is tempted to steal a bicycle to continue making his livelihood. Director Xiaoshuai Wang is dead-on with his portrayal of adolescent boys trying out the role of toughs. The story pits city against country, rich against poor. It also highlights the cultural hegemony of the U.S.: as Guei’s bike is destroyed, the camera closes in on the back of the attacker’s American t-shirt.
“It was great to see more of Chinese culture, the tenement neighborhood of Beijing, stunt bike-riding, and of course that strange dance video game. Those who say the film is repetitive are correct: there are a few too many beatings and a few too many back-and-forths. I was dying to match up Guei, whose obstinacy was painful to see, with the heroine of ‘NOT ONE LESS.’ (Wang throws in a joke about that film’s director, Zhang Yimou.)”
Ellen says: “This was a favorite with Michael and Scot at Toronto and I can see why. I find that I am always impressed by Asian films that I see. In this film, a country boy comes to Beijing and finds work as a courier. The company gives him a nice mountain bike to get around the city. Naturally it is stolen and the real story begins to build from there. About halfway through the film, I realized that there was very little dialog and the story was being very effectively told through great acting and juxtapositions. The film does a good job of pointing out the cultural differences between city and country, including the trait of stubbornness (good or bad). As Michael reminded me, this stubborn streak was also highlighted in another Asian film, NOT ONE LESS.” 4 cats
Laura says: “Xiaoschuai’s film is surprisingly compelling in that few of his characters are likable. Grocery stall owner Qui Sheng provides practical advice and friendship to Guei, however Guei himself, while admirably hardworking, is essentially a victim. Jian is a thief and a liar suffering from parental favoritism and peer pressure while his romantic interest Xiao has her head turned by the flashy stunts of a boy on a better bike. Mystery girl Qin’s red heels, another stylish mode of transportation, mask her ironic identity.” 3 1/2 cats
For Laura’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/beijingbicycle.htm”