Customer Reviews

To Live (MGM World Films)

5 star:		(5)
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MGM's restoration of this classic is one of the finest things the company has ever done. Both this release and the one earlier in the decade did this epic tale justice. I highly recommend this DVD release not only for the high quality of the movie itself, but also for the excellent transfer.

That said, Zhang Yimou's masterpiece is unquestionably 'Raise the Red Lantern' which was restored by MGM recently. The reason the film rates so low overall is only because of poor prior DVD transfers, which drags the score down. So if you choose to watch 'Raise the Red Lantern' MAKE SURE to see the MGM transfer of the film. In fact, just buy it. It will be a quality addition to your permanent collection as it is one of the finest films ever made.

Now if MGM or Sony Pictures Classics could only get their hands on the rights to 'Ju Dou'...

I saw this film at the Curzon Cinema in London's West End in 1994. A soon as the first frame appeared I knew I was watching a Classic.

This Film has to be one of the all time greats. One reviewer called it "The Chinese Gone With The Wind" and I agree to a point.

The central performances in this film are masterful. Li Gong and You Ge are incredible. They age before your eyes with hardly any make-up. It is all relayed in performance. Watch the amazing body movement of Li Gong in the last reel as she convinces us she is an aged woman. Remarkable!!!

The emotions in this film are strong and it is hard now to be moved by them. I particularly love the scene when they both unravel the soaking wet letter. This scene is played with such truthfulness that at points you feel you are watching a slice of real life and not a big budget Chinese movie.

Yimou Zhang is one of the best Directors alive today if not the best. He consistently produces brilliant films his latest being the exception.

Please read my Review of Curse of the Golden Flower

Gong Li seems to be forwever beatiful, and her acting is superb in this production. In my opinion, she is "Catherine Deneuve" of the east.

An outstanding masterpiece that arcs across several decades of Chinese history in the 20th century. A sweeping tale of the turbulent times, splendidly enacted by an outstanding cast and shepherded by a brilliant director. It is the "Gone with the Wind" of China.

This video will remain in my library. It is a candid look at life in the Chinese part of the world years ago. It is a riches to rags story with lost emotions for the whole family.