A spurned lover seeks a rich man for revenge. A random onlooker — who witnessed the public assault committed by the rich man against the lover — seeks for monetary compensation for his smashed computer.
Direction
Zhang Yimou's only pure comedy—complete tonal whiplash.
Acting
Jiang Wen's sweaty desperate spiral is chef's kiss.
Production
Sticky humid Beijing summer practically drips off screen.
Director
Zhang Yimou
Jiang Wen
Zhao Xiaoshuai
Li Baotian
Lao Zhang
Qu Ying
An Hong
Liu Xinyi
Liu Delong
Zhang Yimou
Junk Peddler
Zhao Benshan
Poet Reader
Du Xudong
Xiao Ge
Fang Qingzhuo
Big Sister
Liang Guanhua
Restaurant Manager
Li Qi
Fat Cook
You Yongzhi
Restaurant Customer
Fu Biao
Restaurant Customer
Li Xuejian
Taxi Driver
Ge You
Police Officer
Chang Rong
Restaurant Customer
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Made during Zhang Yimou's 'banned' period after To Live—he shot this commercial quickie while politically iced out, hence the freewheeling energy.
The computer is a real 90s Beijing status symbol; Zhao's obsessive pursuit of compensation mocks nouveau riche fragility.
CN
