Amazon.com video review:
In this remarkable film about a woman obsessed with exacting an apology
from the chief of her small village, director Zhang Yimou (Red
Sorghum, Raise the Red Lantern) tells a deceptively simple story
with incredible art. When Wang Shantang (Lei Laosheng), the chief, kicks a
chili farmer, Quinglai (Liu Peiqi), between the legs, all the farmer's
wife, Qiu Ju (Gong Li), wants is an apology. The chief's reticence
sends Qiu Ju on a misguided journey through the legal system in search of
satisfaction. What she gets, however, is a harsh lesson in "be careful of
what you ask for." In the end she finds that life can frustrate our
attempts at harmony in the simplest, cruelest ways. Among the most
notable aspects of this film are the marvelous performances by Gong Li and
her supporting cast. As an example of artistic storytelling, this film is
as close to flawless as one is likely to find. If you haven't yet
discovered Zhang Yimou, you have a real treat in store. --James
McGrath
