Mountains May Depart (2015)

Reno

7.0

Nov 23, 2016

**Like a changing urban landscape, the humans as well!** When everybody around me liked the director's previous film 'A Touch of Sin', I didn't. As a film fanatic, reject such kind of film is not an easy job without giving a proper reason. I thought that was a missed opportunity. I surely like art films, not the boring one like those aimlessly narrated. I really loved some of the scenes there, but here it was completely different. Most importantly, anybody would understand what the film is trying to say without trying too hard. This is a theme where the China's rise was revealed from the…

This film, screened at Cannes and Toronto, explores economic disparity in China across three eras-1999, 2014, and 2025-highlighted through visuals like clothing and evolving technology. The makeup, costumes, and setting transitions are thoughtfully crafted, making each time period feel distinct and immersive. Strong cinematography and sound design support the storytelling, though minor visual flaws are noticeable. Despite its visual strengths, the film's narrative struggles in its third act, which feels disconnected from the rest of the story. The plot becomes fragmented, with emotional arc…