The Road Home Chinese(2000)

This is one of my top ten favorites. It's a simple story of how a man's parents met and fell in love, but it's also one of the best films I've seen. The acting, photography, and setting work together to create a memorable movie. Be sure to watch it in the orignal Chinese with English subtitles to get the full effect.

From the very start of this movie, it will draw you into the intimacy of the most private thoughts of the characters. There are thoughts about life, death, love, loss and loneliness. The contrast of the black-and-white present with the ecstatic color flashback scenes of the past are so sharp, it is almost emotionally overwhelming.

Zang Yimou successfully captures what it's really like to fall in love for the first time through his use of cinematography, unparalleled attention to detail, and, as always, a strong cast . Unlike most romance movies, there is no love-making in this film. There is no kissing. The characters show their love through little things that we often take for granted: preparing food, giving small yet meaningful gifts, and other gestures. Like most of Zhang Yimou's films, there is relatively little music, however, the music that is there is perfect. A mesmerizing story of love and loss based on Bao Shi's novel: "Rememberance,".

The story of the romance between 18-year-old Zhao Di (Zhang Ziyi from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon plays the young Di) and Luo Changyu is the focus of the movie. They are perhaps in love from the moment their eyes meet. In a world of arranged marriages, this freedom to love is unique. Di has her heart set on Luo from the minute she sees him. She pursues him like an shy animal hunting in the forest. She views him from afar and slowly works her way into his heart.

You will want to cry because this movie is so incredibly beautiful. It is beautiful in its simplicity. Director Zhang Yimou has made one of the most beautiful movies you will ever see. The music by Bao San fills any space you would possible have to draw a breath and escape from being absolutely captured by every scene.

I will gladly read subtitles for a movie this good. I dont want to tell you all the detail because I dont want to give everythingf away. There are hardly words to tell you how this movie absolutely enchanted me. 10 stars would not be enough.