Coming Home movie review
Coming Home is one of those traditional Chinese family melodramas with enough power to tug at the heart strings.
Made by Chinese master Zhang Yimou, it deals with guilt, love and reconciliation and is set during the aftermath of the Cultural Revolution. Heartbreaking moments ab-ound in Yimou’s production, which depicts the lives of ordinary people who are affected by political upheaval.
The film illustrates how characters undergo their own form of rehabilitation. Sentimental and syrupy, Coming Home certainly is as the two key characters – one who dwells in the past and the other who tries to undo it – epitomise their enduring love and loyalty.
As the daughter, Zhang Huiwen gives a commanding performance, growing from the spoiled, headstrong girl into a humbled and responsible adult.The action takes place around a housing block where the Lu family lives and at the train station, where Feng awaits Lu’s return.
Coming Home is an enthralling work and should appeal to the more discerning cinemagoer.
