User reviews

I saw this film at the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) and I really enjoyed the story as well as the views of rural and village China. I travel in China myself by long distance bus and (not speed) train, the portrayal seemed very genuine and sincere as well as the scenes of village life. The shots of the environment were breathtaking and the exploration of the value of being "unplugged" and connected to family and roots was just beautiful. I did find it interesting that they translated "QQ" to "Skype"... I understand why but... I suppose there wasn't a better option. Anyway, I would highly recommend this film for anyone who is a lover of travel within China or is interested modern Chinese culture and scenery. The vocabulary is great for those learning Mandarin, too.

A delightful little gem of a movie. Stunning scenery, lovely script and great cast. A little predictable but an enjoyable insight into rural China and Chinese family life.

A few tears to be shed for sure.

There is chemistry between the kid and her granpa, but the rest of the formula just falls apart - the French inter-generational family reunion dramedy only worked because there was and still is an inter-generational conflict in the French society between the pre- and post-soixantehuitard generation 1968, no such conflict really exists in China. Moreover the director just tries to be dramatic for drama's sake which doesn't work unsurprisingly.

Great development of the relationship between the grandchild and the grandfather, but everything else is muddled, and the movie feels TOO LONG, despite being formatted as a standard 1980ies 90-minute TV movie.

This film gives a unique insight into the modern urban middle class family in China & the farming people. There is much wealth in some families, but too easy to lose the standards of conduct. When money & objects & technology have replaced connections between people. And when children have not been raised to show good conduct & respect, because parents are too busy working. Here the precocious granddaughter returns to the farming country where her family originated from with her grandfather, and in the process, gets reconnected to other people & nature. There is much for this girl to learn from her grandfather & thus the process begins. The charm of the village & the decency of how people relate there is nice to see. Such beautiful scenes. A very nice film.

I have no idea what that "inter gernerationalnaught " had in mind when he dissected this wonderful movie. Perhaps he touched a nerve in my French origin. But I'm glad many other did enjoy this wonderful story. It's a bout love, life and contrast with its choices. Not for a second I could sense a French influence in it I just glided with the story till the end and did not feel it was too long. Not everything has to be or ends in a negative mood. If no miracle, good things happen too. I do appreciate reality where reality is appropriate else to see a better world is not such a bad thing.

Please do yourself a favour put this movie in your list. There is no promise you will like it but it's way better than not giving it a chance.