Riding Alone For Thousands of Miles (2005)

This was directed by Yimou Zhang (Hero, House of Flying Daggers), but is a very different film from the previous ones I saw. I really wasn't sure about the story as I'm not hugely into father-son heart-tugging stories. Also, I really wasn't as huge a fan of Yimou Zhang as others are. But it was highly recommended, so I tried. And I loved.



Truly brilliant across the board. As the special feature said, since he'd made these world-renowned blockbuster films, he could pretty much do what he wanted with what cast he wanted. The big names were mostly from the Japanese side of the cast, but the Chinese used virtually all amateurs. Even actual tour guides. And it was incredible. Yimou Zhang is officially a genius, in my mind. It made for a very natural and beautiful feeling. I really can't even describe how moved I was by this film.



Takakura Ken was absolutely incredibly. He reminds me of a couple of older men I know, and probably will you too. Those rough, silent men that struggle to express themselves. And the quietly powerful emotion this actor gets across is simply mind-blowing. Not to mention the great acting from the little boy.



I also was able to see parts of China that I didn't realize existed. Very rough country that reminds me a lot of different places I've visited in western U.S, but unique at the same time.



I would describe this as a quiet film but with so, so much depth. This is not a movie I will easily forget and will end up purchasing before too long. Don't miss this one!

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This is a movie that will stay with you long after the lights go up. Its story is heartfelt and stunning, addressing not simply the relationship between father and son but also deeper human interaction. It can be enjoyed on multiple levels.

Asides from that, true to his style, Yimou has once again succeeded in making a very visually beautiful movie. As usual, just like in his previous works House of the Flying Daggers, Hero, or Raise the Red Lanterns, the cinematography presented on this movie is also breathtaking and dazzling.

And then there's Takakura Ken, which one can consider as one of the "giants" in Japanese cinema. He brilliantly portrays Takata-san as a quiet and likeable man who’s drowning in sorrow. But it is unfair to focus solely on his performance, because everyone else in the cast was amazing. I was especially captivated by the bright young actor who plays Yang Yang. His mischivieous, distrustful stubborn-smudged face, is ironically so loveable that you just wanna hug him and pinch his cheeks.

For me, this is by far, the best of Yimou's movie that I have watched, and it’s a worthy addition to my list of favourite films.

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