Far from China (2001) User Reviews

Difficult to follow but interesting

[dolescure · 27 February 2002]

The question you will no doubt ask yourself when you see the film is what the hell is going on here? It is never clear but that may be the point. This is what we French call an auteur film and if you like those films of the Nouvelle Vague you will may be enjoy this madness. There is a style of the director here that I do not see in other films and I like that even when the film leaves me lose. Steven Mackintosh is such a good actor it's good to see him doing something good for once instead of that rubbish I see him in on TV so times. He has a medium size part to play but he steals the showing. Maryanne Faithful is mysterious but I never know what she was doing in the story but is good. I want to ask the director many questions but I like his film. Why is this not on general release? Go see this if you have the chance. If you like Mulholand Dr you will like this. It is reminds me of David Lynch but less gorie.

brilliant, exciting, weird

[film_library · 14 February 2002]

this film came as a surprise, i was taken to the premiere as a guest, i was out and out amazed, you have the idea this director is a guy to watch, the film has a kind of cool 70s split and quad screen thing going on but not in the way of cliched music video, reminds me of jarman, todd haines, cammel, roeg, that type film, very intense, little bit cold, but godard and new wave too, the story is fleeting but the main character is what you are supposed to focus on, the acting is wonderful, there is a terrific score and theme song by that sexy band suede which i can't wait to buy the soundtracks for, the actors impressed me, lambert wilson is good, antoine chappey funny, thor lindhart is terrific, and the great legend marianne faithfull has never been better as an actress, and she looks hot, the main actress aurelian thierry is very good but you wish she would relax a bit, the other actors seem more comfortable in their parts, still she is good, the director knows what he is doing, can't wait for the next movie this guy makes, see this, but i warn you, it is not for everyone, it takes a lot of patience and you must focus, i think that is what the director wants you to do, work, worth it though, bravo