To Live

This is a movie we watched in class, but I liked it so much that I rented it again to show to friends.

Dr. Hendricks described this as a prime example of a humanist film, and I can understand why. The entire story focuses on the family of Xu Fugui. The film describes their fall from riches into poverty and their fight through the Communist revolution in China. All the while, the theme of being tru to yourself, your family, and honoring those around you shine forth.

The film spends time letting the characters and story breathe. The story, while large in scope, doesn't feel rushed or contrived and allows the audience to really be absorbed into the lives of the characters they are observing.

The movie is touching, well-made, and true to the heritage of its country. The viewer can completely identify with every emotion felt by Fugui and his family and the director does a great job making sure you never lose that connection throughout.

Great movie, I would recommend it to everyone.