Synopsis

Like CTHD, Zhang Ziyi's other film so far, TRH is sheer poetry, and one of the best films I've seen. Told with elegant simplicity, this film remembers what touches moviegoers are beauty, patience and intimacy.

This film packs them all in spades. A simple story about a village girl's undying love for a schoolteacher. TRH starts in morose black and white, when all seems so dull and lackluster, symbolizing the harsh reality of the present. But the moment the narrator begins to reminisce about his parents' courtship the film turns into a glorious palette of seasonal colors.



As we trace the courtship of the narrator's mother, we see a moving tale unfold with craft and patience. Every time the sweeping score starts playing, one cannot help but cry.

By the end, as the tale wrapped itself up among the themes of the impermanence of life and the strength of love, I applauded as the characters' laughter, tears and heartbreak became mine, and followed me out of the cinema.

Sheer poetry along the likes of CAST AWAY and CTHD. -- IMDb

Cast:  Zhang Ziyi, Sun Honglei, Hao Zheng, Zhao Yulian, Bin Li

Berlinale (Competition): Jury Grand Prix, Prize of the Ecumenical Jury, San Sebastian (Closing Night), Sundance (World Cinema): Audience Award

*****