Customer Reviews

Red Firecracker, Green Firecracker [VHS]

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

One of the hazards of catching films at International Film Festivals is that what a lot of critics may consider artistic, I find dreary and pedantic. There are many critically acclaimed directors who seem to thrive on boring the audience to death.

But among the arty-farty films, there are a few that sticks in my mind and these I consider good. If years later I can still recall scenes and plots, I think the film has made an impact.

Firecracker is one such film for me. The pace is not blockbuster pacing, but the story is one of duty and obligation in conflict with passion and love; of the responsibility one has to one's family and the people who depend on the family, and one's desire to be free to pursue one's desire.

On the other hand is the story of one man reaching beyond his station, and being all he can or want to be. To reach for the unreachable and being willing to meet death or worse, for his dream.

The climax is explosive, but the fuse burns long.

And the denouement may not satisfy all (if you read the other reviews).

But 10 years or so after watching the movie, I still remember it fondly.

Not a Disney ending.

Now if only it weren't $155...

This a beautiful story of unrequited love,passion felt and denied,jealousy,rivalry,and sacrifice.The actress who played"The Master"brings an incredible sensitivity to her role.I felt for Niu Bao as he falls in love with the unattainable. My utter contempt for Mann grew with each passing moment! Well worth seeing again and again!

The cinematography in this film was artfully done. I loved the texture and vivid richness of it. There is an especially beautiful scene by the Yellow River. This film is filled with all of the human elements - frustration, jealousy, humour, love, art and tragedy. If these things appeal to you, see this movie and you won't be disappointed!

This was really an interesting and intense story of illicit love during the turn of the century in China. The camera work and colors were spellbinding. As with most chinese films with english subtitles, you must view it at least 2-3 times to really appreciate it. I guess I really liked this film because not only did it seem historically accurate but also the characters were really believable. The fireworks competition at the end was as suspenseful as a gunfight. And the ending is not your everyday hollywood sugar coated junk.

It told a story of love lost in a way that makes everyone think about how it would be to live in those times and not be able to choose who you want to be with.

I've seen this one a couple of times now and really find it spell binding. I'm especially fond of the cinematography and the story -- while it's boy meets girl, etc, this is a new twist. Plus you get a glimpse at another culture in another time and maybe just question what is "true." I look forward to watching this one yet again to look for other things I missed

One of my many recent excursions to the Foreign section at the video store found what I hoped would yet further encourage my new love for Chinese film. Not having much experience with them before, I was delighted that there was more to it than Bruce Lee. After saturating myself with Gong Li movies, I took home "Red Firecracker, Green Firecracker", and fell in love with it right up to the end. I felt I had been cheated, that it was a cop-out. Every time he went away, either she ran after him or he ran back to her. Cinematic, sensual, and romantic, this film still disappointed. There was no right answer for this couple's predicament, and there was no compromise... on anyone's part. I want to give this movie two ratings. For the entire movie up to the last four minutes, The movie can have 4 stars. For the ending, the movie can have 1 star.

I enjoyed most of this film for its memorable, complex characters, artistic feel, and gentle telling. Its look at the status of women and the sacrafices they make for power and family is compelling. The major downfall of this movie is the director's failure to realize that about two thirds of the way through, he has already finished telling the story.

The best aspect of this movie is the location and the scenery. Beautiful filming but a plot with too many blanks and questions. I won't give away the ending but it was stupid and by that time I didn't care what happened to the hero. I usually love Chinese dramas but this one missed with its plot of unrequited love being dragged out too long, and not making much sense.

I loved this movie even the third time, my wife found it too intense and realistic and refuses to see it again for it haunts her. This is not your typical Hollywood fluff film but an insiteful look at China of the past (and maybe still today). Marrying below your station was almost as ilicit as un-wed love. The consequences of both can be very harsh. If you like a movie where you never stop to say "it's just a movie" this historically immaculate, painfully touching and often amusing tale is for you. DPG