A highly ironic dark comedy about the ineptitudes of government bureaucracy that is as immediately guffaw-worthy as it is culturally and socially enlightening. Visually, one of Zhang Yimou's muted films. The colors do not jump off the screen in expressionistic splashes like in most of his ouevre, but are used sparingly on key motifs in sharp contrast to the barren landscapes of the Chinese countryside and cities.

A tender coming-of-age story that is notable for its restless, expressive camerawork which moves in a naturalistic flow but lingers for emphasis in just the right moments.

At first glance, a seemingly unremarkable Golden Age picture about the value of inner beauty. What gives this movie life is the sweet, rambunctious spirit of nostalgia that permeates everything from the affectionate jests made at antiquated 19th century sensibilities to the lush, picturesque period sets and compositions. The choice to mostly limit close-ups to the two romantic leads makes the interplay in their scenes especially electric.

A parable about the Buddhist concept of karma that is far too broad and simplistic for its subject. The first act in itself practically encompasses everything the film has to say, but the film trudges on with trite platitudes about love and rebirth, using the seasons as crude metaphors for stages of life.