Director Wei Shujun is one of the most anticipated Chinese directors at Cannes every year, because he really never disappoints. From his witty and humorous film "Striding into the Wind" which was shortlisted for the Director's Fortnight two years ago and received rave reviews at Cannes, this time he brought a different style of black film to the "A Certain Regard" section, which was like a shot in the arm, awakening the tired international critics. The film successfully adapted the work of teacher Yu Hua and had a strong Wei-style personal style, highly restoring the sense of the 90s in China, with a bleak realistic theme supplemented by magical dream segments, and sudden absurd scenes that even made the audience scream in surprise. Some of the ending segments seemed like clues deliberately left by the director, like the godly drama "The Long Season", which made me want to watch it again after seeing it. Ting shuo kan guo cai neng ping fen wo mei kan guo shi yi shi.
21 Reviews
Only the River Flows
CinemaSerf6 March 2024
"Ma Zhe" (Zhu Yilong) engenders an almost adulatory degree of support from his team as he leads them on an investigation following the discovery of the body of the goose-rearing "Granny Four" on a remote riverside. Suspicion quickly falls on her adopted friend known simply as the "madman", but the detective is not so convinced that things are that straightforward. His ensuing task isn't helped by pressure from his ping-pong playing boss to conclude quickly and by the fact that he and his wife are expecting a baby - and that procedure is not going to be as simple as they might like. With the rain pretty much relentless throughout, he encounters some quirky local characters who seem to muddy the waters rather than offer him clarity. Clarity? Well that's an element to this story that is a bit too sparing at times. "Ma Zhe" finds his troubles gradually getting the better of him - yes, there are more bodies - and soon his own grasp on reality becomes distinctly compromised. Can he keep it together long enough to solve the crime? The film starts with the usual affirmation of the communist values of team play before entering the realms of predictable cop drama tempered with a bit of undercooked psycho-babble that Zhu Yilong tries to hard hold together. By the denouement, though, I felt way too much of the plot was contrived to try to tap into the psyche - of him and us - and it didn't really work. That said, he does well here and we do get quite a tense sense of his gradually becoming overwhelmed by the scenarios that test his usually linear style of working, thinking and living. Sadly, aside from "Ma Zhe", the characters are barely developed and director Wei Shujun seems more interested in focussing on an admittedly gritty and authentic looking peek at 1990s rural China, whilst rather abandoning the detail and characterisation of story to the sidelines as the dream sequences blur more and more the line between reality and fantasy. It does move along well enough, but I found it a bit of a meringue of a film - not much when you get into it.
Engrossing, occasionally surreal murder mystery
alain-kapel528 February 2024
A welcome treat for fans of Chinese neo-noir cinema, Only the River Flows follows in the footsteps of genre items by directors like Diao Yinan and Li Xiaofeng; artsy, compelling but also demanding films for a very specific audience.
In essence a psychological murder mystery, the film tracks detective Ma Zhe as he investigates a mysterious murder on the outskirts of a small town. Of course, not all is what it seems, and he will have to be especially inquisitive to get some answers for this case. He is not helped by his superiors who demand answers fast just so they can deem the case closed, consequences be damned. The pressure put upon detective Ma starts to take a toll on his psyche as the line between reality and fiction begins to blur.
Cleverly written screenplay makes sure you take all of the plot's details in before pulling the rug under you. And I don't just mean in the narrative sense (answers don't come easy and none of them are immediately clear), but also in the way the film plays with structure. It's a noir with many familiar elements present; from complicated characters to an insistent avoidance of resolution. But there's more than just that here. As the story progressively delves into Ma's mind, events happen that make sense only in a Lynchian, logic-defying way. This touch of surreal helps the film distance itself from its peers, but will also limit its appeal to audiences who enjoy analyzing metaphors in addition to brainstorming about the killer's identity.
Shot on film, Only the River Flows is technically marvelous, looking appealingly muddy and retro (more than adequate regarding its early 1990's setting) with a strong classical soundtrack to boot. This industrialized, impoverished area is quite stunningly captured, being both memorable and fitting for a story of an unraveling mind. The film earns a big recommendation if you're into the genre like I am.
In essence a psychological murder mystery, the film tracks detective Ma Zhe as he investigates a mysterious murder on the outskirts of a small town. Of course, not all is what it seems, and he will have to be especially inquisitive to get some answers for this case. He is not helped by his superiors who demand answers fast just so they can deem the case closed, consequences be damned. The pressure put upon detective Ma starts to take a toll on his psyche as the line between reality and fiction begins to blur.
Cleverly written screenplay makes sure you take all of the plot's details in before pulling the rug under you. And I don't just mean in the narrative sense (answers don't come easy and none of them are immediately clear), but also in the way the film plays with structure. It's a noir with many familiar elements present; from complicated characters to an insistent avoidance of resolution. But there's more than just that here. As the story progressively delves into Ma's mind, events happen that make sense only in a Lynchian, logic-defying way. This touch of surreal helps the film distance itself from its peers, but will also limit its appeal to audiences who enjoy analyzing metaphors in addition to brainstorming about the killer's identity.
Shot on film, Only the River Flows is technically marvelous, looking appealingly muddy and retro (more than adequate regarding its early 1990's setting) with a strong classical soundtrack to boot. This industrialized, impoverished area is quite stunningly captured, being both memorable and fitting for a story of an unraveling mind. The film earns a big recommendation if you're into the genre like I am.
10.28.2023
EasonVonn28 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Stunning modern Chinese movie shot on film.
The compositional techniques used, however, are slightly mediocre, but flawed, employing many Structural film techniques to shoot the subject in a doorframe, a window.
The most amazing thing about the film is the Freudian fantasy entanglement of Mazzei. This fantasy segment in the movie theater to the climax, but the meaning is unclear there are some traces of deliberate to create a high level, but also to many filmmakers make mistakes, such as Hitchcock, Nolan deliberately in the film to add some psychoanalytic elements to let the critics to pay attention to it, but such a tactic in the lack of the content of the connection will be clumsy. This makes the film feel more like a dance in shackles, especially in the first half, which is quite a running commentary on the style of modern Chinese cinema. But you can see the director's determination to get away from this vulgar definition as well, but it's in the wrong direction.
An even bigger flaw is the portrayal of women in the film, as it seems that the female characters have all become one-sided images, even Xu Liang, a psychopathic fantasy female figure, has become part of the film.
But the compositional character depth is quite shocking and impressive for today. This is especially true of the movie theater sequence where the audience applauds and the political satire is brought to a climax by the drama on stage. The only drawback is that the psychoanalytic content is slightly out of tune with the overall tone of the film, which feels contrived.
The compositional techniques used, however, are slightly mediocre, but flawed, employing many Structural film techniques to shoot the subject in a doorframe, a window.
The most amazing thing about the film is the Freudian fantasy entanglement of Mazzei. This fantasy segment in the movie theater to the climax, but the meaning is unclear there are some traces of deliberate to create a high level, but also to many filmmakers make mistakes, such as Hitchcock, Nolan deliberately in the film to add some psychoanalytic elements to let the critics to pay attention to it, but such a tactic in the lack of the content of the connection will be clumsy. This makes the film feel more like a dance in shackles, especially in the first half, which is quite a running commentary on the style of modern Chinese cinema. But you can see the director's determination to get away from this vulgar definition as well, but it's in the wrong direction.
An even bigger flaw is the portrayal of women in the film, as it seems that the female characters have all become one-sided images, even Xu Liang, a psychopathic fantasy female figure, has become part of the film.
But the compositional character depth is quite shocking and impressive for today. This is especially true of the movie theater sequence where the audience applauds and the political satire is brought to a climax by the drama on stage. The only drawback is that the psychoanalytic content is slightly out of tune with the overall tone of the film, which feels contrived.
An Inspiring and Irresistible Journey
GINNN_D20 May 2023
Only the River Flows followed police investigator Ma Zhe (Zhu, Yilong Yilong Zhu), in the 90s China, trying to solve a murder case, with an "obvious" yet not so convincing suspect, the victim's adopted son, a man with mental illness. The movie developed into a psychological journey that was deeply intense and hard to resist. Intermingled with Ma Zhe's own life struggles, the psychological journey was painted with layers of unbelievable hues and shades, in contrast to the movie's desaturated color theme and tone. Are you saying it takes a crazy man to get a crazy man, literally?
As a neo-film nior, the movie shared many aspects of this genre. It also has absurdism and realism contrasting and complementing each other, just like the seemingly muted everyday life in the 90s which was actually during the turmoil of some of the biggest changes of China.
Bravo to Wei, Shujun Wei Shujun's cinema work, to the accuracy of a small town in 90s China, and to Zhu, Yilong Yilong Zhu's vivid portraying of a middle aged policeman dealing with madness from every aspects of his life.
In my humble opinion, a very special movie and a must-see.
As a neo-film nior, the movie shared many aspects of this genre. It also has absurdism and realism contrasting and complementing each other, just like the seemingly muted everyday life in the 90s which was actually during the turmoil of some of the biggest changes of China.
Bravo to Wei, Shujun Wei Shujun's cinema work, to the accuracy of a small town in 90s China, and to Zhu, Yilong Yilong Zhu's vivid portraying of a middle aged policeman dealing with madness from every aspects of his life.
In my humble opinion, a very special movie and a must-see.
Amazing rendition
siqingyi22 May 2023
This is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated films of the year!
I have been following this film since the trailer and it is truly worth the ticket price and the time you pay.
Shujun Wei has made a brave and successful attempt. The film combines absurdity and reality in a perfect way to show the kind of life that was lived in the 90s.
Yilong Zhu's performance is amazing! I was introduced to this actor from China through this film and his handling of the role is vivid and eye-catching. He perfectly brings out the obsession and madness of a middle-aged cop.
In my opinion, this is absolutely excellent work and I look forward to their future works.
I have been following this film since the trailer and it is truly worth the ticket price and the time you pay.
Shujun Wei has made a brave and successful attempt. The film combines absurdity and reality in a perfect way to show the kind of life that was lived in the 90s.
Yilong Zhu's performance is amazing! I was introduced to this actor from China through this film and his handling of the role is vivid and eye-catching. He perfectly brings out the obsession and madness of a middle-aged cop.
In my opinion, this is absolutely excellent work and I look forward to their future works.
Lack of tension and falling into boredom
Irena_Spa7 February 2024
As I wrote in title, it miss some tension snd it's quite slow. At first, you feel like you're going to be speeding through the plot of the story, but no, your car just gets slower and slower. Although the actors are great, the story has some gaps for my taste. Maybe I expected too much?! Interesting is that in the story, the police decides to move their office rooms to one cinema, which they close on the question of his first intention, and it is showing films to the public. Maybe the author wanted to say something by that, generally speaking?! For sure director gives an atmospheric view with a careful recreation about the picture of China, where as in this movie most things are on the verge of disappearing as the summer factory that employs most of the characters, old restaurants, ping pong as the city's entertainment, semi-detached houses that are close to the river, but the point is that the river goes its way no matter what's going on.
the River Plays as an Inquisitor (contain spoilers)
k-06018-6167825 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
"We do not understand destiny, and that's why I have made myself destiny. I have assumed the foolish and incomprehensible face of the gods."
Nor can man understand madman; madman, like fate, is unexplainable and irrational. So the madman is similar to a messenger of the river and scrutinizes the world.
The little boy who plays game in the opening scene, wearing a police cap and carrying a toy pistol, seems to be the one who in control; but having kicked open the door, he is actually on a dilapidated abandoned building, which directly informs of the dangers that no one can go any further.
Likewise, Ma Zhe is unaware that he has entered the forbidden zone of the god of fate during the investigation of the case. He's too obsessed with it and falls into an even more dangerous situation.
To enquire why madman kills, why these people was chosen, is like to take the liberty of exploring the secrets of destiny.
The rules of this town: never let the river know your secret. In the same way, the river's secrets must not be known to any one.
----------- Part 1 the Secrets of the "10%"---------- "No need to go looking for that curly-hair women." "This is my private business." "Please keep this a secret from my wife and colleagues."...... Secrets can be hidden behind the moon, on the B-side of a tape, in the roar of a train, but you can't hide secrets in that river.
A drop of water cannot be gathered into a river, a stray goose is incapable of returning to shore. The one who cannot shout the slogan, "Love ping pong is the way to win", during the group photo cannot pick up a dropped ping pong ball.
10% might mean an abused old woman, the cheating poet, the unmarried pregnant girl, the transvestite hairdresser, or the genetically mutated child ......These minority hidden behind the 90% are like trickles under the surging river. Once exposed to sunlight, they dry up instantly.
---------- Part 2 the Secret of the River---------- One cannot step into the same river, but fate can.
The river evaporates, the clouds block the sun, and the rain falls in the river. The film opens with the thumping of a baby's heartbeat and ends with the birth of a baby. It semms to indicate that the next cycle begins and the nightmare goes on.
Just as Ma Zhe's car licence plate is "F31415", fate is like an infinite unordered pi. The similar loop of "old women (Bai Jie) - Madman (Ma Zhe's child)" will be staged again and again by the riverside.
----------Part 3 Ma Zhe's Trespassing---------- The very riverside in the film is like some kind of forbidden place for the god of destiny. If one insists on finding out something, the god will send a punishment. For example, Ma Zhe becomes the madman, and his wife gives birth to the next madman.
In one scene, Bai Jie accuses Mazhe of arranging everything, including when they get married and when to have children.
Ma Zhe may be in charge of his family, but he can never control the arrangement of destiny. The more he interferes, the more he suffers from retaliation.
The river would warn him that you should complete the jigsaw puzzle, you should put on the standard uniform, and you should admit the established murderer.
You shouldn't uncover an illicit affair through a missing tape, nor discover a deformed relationship through the marks of whipping on the ceiling, or expose a hairdresser's secret through a wig under the bed.
Unfortunately, Ma Zhe is a persistent one.
Behind the door of the perilous building where the little boy plays, is a visible abyss.
But fate is elusive, untouchable and invisible. Fate only sneers when you find the completed puzzle piece on the wall and all the seven bullets in the pistol magazine: how dare you persist to understand me?
The river rushes, the rain pours, and all the bloodstains and footprints would be washed away. If fate plays a killer, it's far easy to pull off a perfect murder.
All that happens is like the god of fate yelling at Ma Zhe: isn't that what you're obsessed with,that so-called truth? Then let the madman haunt you and torment you over and over again! That you can put out a burning camera, so what? You've already been deeply in the blazing fires of hell.
At the end of the film, the river is still flowing as usual, like the nightmare never ends.
Only the river knows the truth. Only the river keeps flowing.
The little boy who plays game in the opening scene, wearing a police cap and carrying a toy pistol, seems to be the one who in control; but having kicked open the door, he is actually on a dilapidated abandoned building, which directly informs of the dangers that no one can go any further.
Likewise, Ma Zhe is unaware that he has entered the forbidden zone of the god of fate during the investigation of the case. He's too obsessed with it and falls into an even more dangerous situation.
To enquire why madman kills, why these people was chosen, is like to take the liberty of exploring the secrets of destiny.
The rules of this town: never let the river know your secret. In the same way, the river's secrets must not be known to any one.
----------- Part 1 the Secrets of the "10%"---------- "No need to go looking for that curly-hair women." "This is my private business." "Please keep this a secret from my wife and colleagues."...... Secrets can be hidden behind the moon, on the B-side of a tape, in the roar of a train, but you can't hide secrets in that river.
A drop of water cannot be gathered into a river, a stray goose is incapable of returning to shore. The one who cannot shout the slogan, "Love ping pong is the way to win", during the group photo cannot pick up a dropped ping pong ball.
10% might mean an abused old woman, the cheating poet, the unmarried pregnant girl, the transvestite hairdresser, or the genetically mutated child ......These minority hidden behind the 90% are like trickles under the surging river. Once exposed to sunlight, they dry up instantly.
---------- Part 2 the Secret of the River---------- One cannot step into the same river, but fate can.
The river evaporates, the clouds block the sun, and the rain falls in the river. The film opens with the thumping of a baby's heartbeat and ends with the birth of a baby. It semms to indicate that the next cycle begins and the nightmare goes on.
Just as Ma Zhe's car licence plate is "F31415", fate is like an infinite unordered pi. The similar loop of "old women (Bai Jie) - Madman (Ma Zhe's child)" will be staged again and again by the riverside.
----------Part 3 Ma Zhe's Trespassing---------- The very riverside in the film is like some kind of forbidden place for the god of destiny. If one insists on finding out something, the god will send a punishment. For example, Ma Zhe becomes the madman, and his wife gives birth to the next madman.
In one scene, Bai Jie accuses Mazhe of arranging everything, including when they get married and when to have children.
Ma Zhe may be in charge of his family, but he can never control the arrangement of destiny. The more he interferes, the more he suffers from retaliation.
The river would warn him that you should complete the jigsaw puzzle, you should put on the standard uniform, and you should admit the established murderer.
You shouldn't uncover an illicit affair through a missing tape, nor discover a deformed relationship through the marks of whipping on the ceiling, or expose a hairdresser's secret through a wig under the bed.
Unfortunately, Ma Zhe is a persistent one.
Behind the door of the perilous building where the little boy plays, is a visible abyss.
But fate is elusive, untouchable and invisible. Fate only sneers when you find the completed puzzle piece on the wall and all the seven bullets in the pistol magazine: how dare you persist to understand me?
The river rushes, the rain pours, and all the bloodstains and footprints would be washed away. If fate plays a killer, it's far easy to pull off a perfect murder.
All that happens is like the god of fate yelling at Ma Zhe: isn't that what you're obsessed with,that so-called truth? Then let the madman haunt you and torment you over and over again! That you can put out a burning camera, so what? You've already been deeply in the blazing fires of hell.
At the end of the film, the river is still flowing as usual, like the nightmare never ends.
Only the river knows the truth. Only the river keeps flowing.
A movie that you don't want to miss it!
m-0057122 May 2023
Ever since the launch of the trailer, it has been a movie that I've been looking forward to and indeed it's worth the 101 mins in the cinema!
Nothing bad and you will definitely be glued to it. It is by far one of the best movie ever! On this note, I would like to specially highlight actor Zhu Yilong who played as Ma Zhe in the movie. Who would have thought that he could be so rugged and different from his usual self that always appears on screen.
Kudos to the team for making such a wonderful movie! It's definitely a MUST to watch!
I watched the red carpet live broadcast of the Cannes International Film Festival on May 20th. Zhu Yilong's appearance on the red carpet at the Cannes International Film Festival is completely different from what he saw in the movie!
Nothing bad and you will definitely be glued to it. It is by far one of the best movie ever! On this note, I would like to specially highlight actor Zhu Yilong who played as Ma Zhe in the movie. Who would have thought that he could be so rugged and different from his usual self that always appears on screen.
Kudos to the team for making such a wonderful movie! It's definitely a MUST to watch!
I watched the red carpet live broadcast of the Cannes International Film Festival on May 20th. Zhu Yilong's appearance on the red carpet at the Cannes International Film Festival is completely different from what he saw in the movie!
Intriguing story excellent actor and good cinematography
alyceevelyn27 May 2023
Reviews from the premiere was exciting so glad I got the replay ticket on 22 May at the Cannes festival. No spoilers.
Actor Zhu Yilong was fantastic in portraiting the character Ma Zhe and gave some very powerful and mesmerizing scenes. One can feel the emotional turmoil of Ma Zhe as the storyline unfold. An amazing young and gifted actor. I look forward in checking out his other movies.
The cinematography was fabulous. Many great scenes composition and the final grading set a good tone on the mood.
The bgm blended well and compliment the movie story development.
Only the River Flows is a well made movie taking a deep dive into human nature and self reflection.
Actor Zhu Yilong was fantastic in portraiting the character Ma Zhe and gave some very powerful and mesmerizing scenes. One can feel the emotional turmoil of Ma Zhe as the storyline unfold. An amazing young and gifted actor. I look forward in checking out his other movies.
The cinematography was fabulous. Many great scenes composition and the final grading set a good tone on the mood.
The bgm blended well and compliment the movie story development.
Only the River Flows is a well made movie taking a deep dive into human nature and self reflection.
Just wow... A tremendous performance from cast and crews... It's really worth watching
oj-3751022 May 2023
The movie is actually based on a novel by Yu Hua... The plots and setting of this movie makes audience unable to predict the end... The absurdity will make looking forward to the end of the movie...
It's a noir movie... Mind blowing and realism... I believe it took years before Wei Shujun could adapt this to a movie... My friend that attended the screening at Cannes told me how absurd it was and I should see it so... Seeing this, it is above my expectations because I actually don't really like Chinese movies, I base on Korean but seeing this, I look forward to see more of this nature of movies.. Nice Performance from Yilong Zhu and Maoyan Chloe.. it's actually worth given it a try👍
Lens Music
lxb-6310623 May 2023
Lens: 16mm film movies are really not easy It has a very cinematic texture, composition, colors, perfect camera language, and metaphorical expression art, which perfectly fits this somewhat bizarre and absurd story. There are no unnecessary narrative techniques at all. Excellent artistry, the atmosphere brought by the screen is excellent!
Music: This movie doesn't have a lot of music, but it's all perfectly chosen. And most importantly, when you finish watching the music in the movie and hear it again, a very strange feeling arises, as if the story of Ma Zhe and his is floating in your mind again, bringing you back to the story of the movie like a movie. Many of the things conveyed by the camera seem to be experienced in an instant.
Music: This movie doesn't have a lot of music, but it's all perfectly chosen. And most importantly, when you finish watching the music in the movie and hear it again, a very strange feeling arises, as if the story of Ma Zhe and his is floating in your mind again, bringing you back to the story of the movie like a movie. Many of the things conveyed by the camera seem to be experienced in an instant.
The triumph of idealism
qianqian-3342623 May 2023
Director Wei Shujun's latest dystopian realism author film, adapted from Yu Hua's pioneering masterpiece of the same name, a bizarre murder case involving a number of suspects, police chief Ma Zhe (played by Zhu Yilong) by the unspeakable truth constantly dialed, gradually into the absurd, unsettling and indistinguishable from the real illusion of the moment and memory. ......The actor Zhu Yilong's performance is very wonderful, the inner contradictions and insecurities, doubts about self interpretation is very wonderful, he is China's terrific actor. Hope to let the world see China's good movies, good actors, good directors.
"He bien de cup wu" psychological drama rather than suspense drama
l-7357225 May 2023
It definitely belongs to the kind of film that has more charm and sophistication!! Many times you forget that this is Zhu Yilong, the performer of lighting up the star, absolutely surpassing Mo Sanmei's level. All the performances and details are presented very, very naturally, and the small movements with a rich sense of the times are so natural that you only feel that this is Ma Zhe himself, who lived in the not very wealthy era 20 years ago. His situation and experience are the real people and stories that happened in that era, It's our father's generation. It seems that you learned about that legendary village from the leisure time of adults during your childhood. And when you grow up and long to explore that secret for yourself, only to find that the truth has already dissipated in time, leaving you with the impression of a childhood legend that few people knew about. Zhu Yilong's performance has unprecedented subversion. Two. 16mm film movies are really not easy, It has a very cinematic texture, composition, colors, perfect camera language, and metaphorical expression art, which perfectly fits this somewhat bizarre and absurd story. There are no unnecessary narrative techniques at all. Excellent artistry, the atmosphere brought by the screen is excellent! This movie doesn't have a lot of music, but it's all perfectly chosen. And most importantly, when you finish watching the music in the movie and hear it again, a very strange feeling arises, as if the story of Ma Zhe and his is floating in your mind again, bringing you back to the story of the movie like a movie. Many of the things conveyed by the camera seem to be experienced in an instant.
Exceptional film with Brilliant Acting and Directing
bmk-4550125 May 2023
"Only the River Flows" is an exceptional movie shot on 16mm film that showcases the incredible talent of both the director and lead actor, making for an unforgettable cinematic experience.
The film's director Wei Shunjun has masterfully crafted a story that draws the audience in and keeps them engaged throughout. The pacing is perfect, and the use of 16mm film adds a unique texture and warmth to the visuals, creating a nostalgic and immersive atmosphere that adds to the film's overall appeal.
The lead actor Zhu Yilong delivers a truly outstanding performance that carries the film from beginning to end. His portrayal of the character is nuanced and captivating, eliciting a range of emotions from the audience and leaving a lasting impression.
Overall, "Only the River Flows" is a must-see film that showcases the power of great storytelling, masterful direction, and exceptional acting. It is a true gem that deserves all the accolades it receives and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.
Any 1 star ratings of this film is nothing more than opposing fan fighting that is ridiculous and does nothing but hurt the entire Chinese film industry on an international level. Pathetic!
The film's director Wei Shunjun has masterfully crafted a story that draws the audience in and keeps them engaged throughout. The pacing is perfect, and the use of 16mm film adds a unique texture and warmth to the visuals, creating a nostalgic and immersive atmosphere that adds to the film's overall appeal.
The lead actor Zhu Yilong delivers a truly outstanding performance that carries the film from beginning to end. His portrayal of the character is nuanced and captivating, eliciting a range of emotions from the audience and leaving a lasting impression.
Overall, "Only the River Flows" is a must-see film that showcases the power of great storytelling, masterful direction, and exceptional acting. It is a true gem that deserves all the accolades it receives and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.
Any 1 star ratings of this film is nothing more than opposing fan fighting that is ridiculous and does nothing but hurt the entire Chinese film industry on an international level. Pathetic!
A Neo-Noir Gem with Layered Performances
elyriaaa23 September 2023
This is a neo-noir crime film with many metaphors. Many moments in the film left me in deep contemplation. The use of real photographic film adds a great texture. I also really appreciate the film's soundtrack.
Ma Zhe's character undergoes a significant transformation, which is portrayed perfectly and delicately by Zhu Yilong. The blending of reality and dreams is fantastic, and the intertwining of Ma Zhe's pain, responsibility, and compromises puts immense pressure on him, to the point where he seems like a completely different person in the end.
Zhu Yilong's performance is excellent. Ma Zhe's transformation is nuanced, like a house standing there, showing a bit of wear on the surface, but when you open the door, you find that it is gradually collapsing layer by layer inside.
I highly recommend this film.
Ma Zhe's character undergoes a significant transformation, which is portrayed perfectly and delicately by Zhu Yilong. The blending of reality and dreams is fantastic, and the intertwining of Ma Zhe's pain, responsibility, and compromises puts immense pressure on him, to the point where he seems like a completely different person in the end.
Zhu Yilong's performance is excellent. Ma Zhe's transformation is nuanced, like a house standing there, showing a bit of wear on the surface, but when you open the door, you find that it is gradually collapsing layer by layer inside.
I highly recommend this film.
The most Breath-taking Film I Have Ever Seen
t-606855 August 2023
The film, one of the best in Cannes 2023, presents an extremely authentic town-life of China in the 1980s. Instead of playing a role of a middle- aged police, the actor leads a common life in the remote town, which seems to be the everyday life of your neighbor. As the most well-known young actor in China, Zhu Yilong gives the audience the immersing experience when watching, with his phenomenal performance. Zhu Yilong has created the legends of box office one after another in the history of Chinese movie and won many top awards as well, such as the Golden Rooster Award. This film is a must-see on your to-watch-list.
I still don't know But I liked it
loris-francoletti20 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Spoiler: I still do not know who is the killer. I am pretty sure it is not the madman :) Apart from this "minor" details in a crime story the movie is very very good! The movie was shot in 2022 but the cinematography and colour grading are great and you really think you are watching something that was made 30 years ago. The main character is cool and the wife is a rebel woman ahead of her time! I love to watch movies where I don't know what is going to happen. And this movie did not disappoint. I also enjoyed the acting and the dreams and hallucination sequences. I also enjoy watching movie where I am not familiar with the actors, so everything has an extra degree of reality. You forget you are watching a movie and you are really absorbed into the atmosphere and the story. And yes I loved the rain. Moody wet China! I recommend to watch it!
Rationality and insanity have the same face.
sadoystre22 October 2023
A river that harbours masochism, teachers and students, cross-dressing, rebellion and all sorts of things that refute traditional ethics and norms, it is like a Pandora's Box waiting for an opportunity to open it.
Using the narrative of the genre to complete the abstract expression of the characters' inner and mental states, Wei Shujun made a more surreal expression on the basis of Yu Hua, while Zhu Yilong mastered the richly layered struggles and transformations of the characters. The film is sharp and calm in its style and choice of shadows, and the discoloration and grains on the old film set off the inversion of the people in the film with the wording of the more maniacal.
Ma Zhe ,who is supposed to be the one to expose all this, but in the process of probing the case, he is gradually swallowed up by the chaos hidden by the river,. The continuous rain, the burning camera, the pouring ping-pong balls, the puzzle of the reunion of the mirror, the third-class merit of the painstaking pursuit, the newborn child as if it is a dream, which all together constitute an unreal and real scene, from chasing a madman to becoming a madman, the process is both abrupt and natural. Just as each of us who gather around the film, around the river, around the mistakes, will one day slowly walk into the depths of the river, just like Ma Zhe.
Using the narrative of the genre to complete the abstract expression of the characters' inner and mental states, Wei Shujun made a more surreal expression on the basis of Yu Hua, while Zhu Yilong mastered the richly layered struggles and transformations of the characters. The film is sharp and calm in its style and choice of shadows, and the discoloration and grains on the old film set off the inversion of the people in the film with the wording of the more maniacal.
Ma Zhe ,who is supposed to be the one to expose all this, but in the process of probing the case, he is gradually swallowed up by the chaos hidden by the river,. The continuous rain, the burning camera, the pouring ping-pong balls, the puzzle of the reunion of the mirror, the third-class merit of the painstaking pursuit, the newborn child as if it is a dream, which all together constitute an unreal and real scene, from chasing a madman to becoming a madman, the process is both abrupt and natural. Just as each of us who gather around the film, around the river, around the mistakes, will one day slowly walk into the depths of the river, just like Ma Zhe.
I loved "Only The River Flows"
carlos-guangzhou12 March 2024
Really and Excellent Film Worth Watching. Fantastic in every level, especially cinematography and acting. The portrayal of a rural town in 90's China is AMAZING. I lived during those years and the realism is mesmerizing. The attention to detail is out of this world. Even the yellow lamps, which were so common at the time, the thermos, the black leather suits, gooses roaming around the streets, the haircuts, everything is just PERFECT. Honestly, I have come to IMDB to check if the movie was really made in the 1990's or when.. just to make sure. I felt transported to a time in my life, a time that meant so much to me, that taught me and made me who I am. Wonderful Cinematography indeed. Acting was also PERFECT, the way you see those characters, their interactions, their dialogues... that was the way how men and women where! How could i forget? The realism in acting is off the chart. The story is also great, although for me, the brilliant, flawless cinematography and superb acting skills from all the actors involved is what makes me admire and appreciate "Only the River Flows." In fact, its a movie that i'd want to watch again, as it is still being show at SM City Cinema. In conclusion, I enjoyed and liked this filming effort 100%, and I would like to recommend it to you. I don't think you'd get disappointed, unless you were expecting a police movie filled with shootings and fights. This is none of that. There is police work, but its mostly from the psychological point of view and how china's society of the time could be at times hard to handle. We have to remember that those were years of huge transformations. It was right before china's big Deng Xioaping opening. Things were still pretty much centralized and face and obedience were paramount in every way of society. This movie is really a perfect portrayal of how china was during those years. Trust me, I lived them. It is how it was. But, even though for young generations it might seem nuts, the truth is it was not. It was awesome, I loved my live in the 90's China. My years were in rural Changsha, in Hunan province. So similar. Even the river as big part of the town is just exactly how it was. I loved those years, always will, and this movie is just WONDERFUL! (my humble opinion)
Interesting Neo-Noir Journey
chenp-5470818 February 2024
Firstly, I appreciate filmmaker Wei Shujun creating an art-house noir narrative with extremely gorgeous camerawork, interesting concepts, and directions throughout. Art-house movies in China are oftentimes under appreciated and Shujun's direction, writing and approach on the atmosphere is pretty good with strong themes and slow-burn tension throughout.
The narrative is a detective noir setting as there are some interesting concepts that are strong. Although certain aspects in the third act did feel a little uneven and lacking, the direction, atmosphere and the writing makes the story interesting with interesting characters and conversations occurring between one another. Reminds me a lot of the old Hollywood Noir movies.
The color presentation is amazing as it uses the 16mm which felt purposeful and unique and the sound designs are wonderful. The performances are all pretty good and were provided with good dialogue. Interesting tones, editing choices and soundtrack explored which creates the tension and noir vibe. While the movie does feel a bit too similar to Memories of Murder at times and certain aspects can be seen as style over substance, I appreciate what the movie is going for and think it's pretty great.
Wei Shujun definitely has lots of talents and after seeing his previous works, it's safe to say he might be potentially the newest art-house filmmaker for China. Looking forward to see what he brings next to the table.
The narrative is a detective noir setting as there are some interesting concepts that are strong. Although certain aspects in the third act did feel a little uneven and lacking, the direction, atmosphere and the writing makes the story interesting with interesting characters and conversations occurring between one another. Reminds me a lot of the old Hollywood Noir movies.
The color presentation is amazing as it uses the 16mm which felt purposeful and unique and the sound designs are wonderful. The performances are all pretty good and were provided with good dialogue. Interesting tones, editing choices and soundtrack explored which creates the tension and noir vibe. While the movie does feel a bit too similar to Memories of Murder at times and certain aspects can be seen as style over substance, I appreciate what the movie is going for and think it's pretty great.
Wei Shujun definitely has lots of talents and after seeing his previous works, it's safe to say he might be potentially the newest art-house filmmaker for China. Looking forward to see what he brings next to the table.
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