Review of Quitting (2001) by Jackie — 06 Aug 2007
A unique mixture of Brechtian self-reflexivity and urban neorealism, Zhang Yang's inventive "Zuotian" ("Quitting") paints a cinematic portrait of heroin addiction in Beijing quite unlike anything done before.
Actors play themselves, and a final title card explains that Hongsheng's story was an entirely real one - but the film, remarkably, doesn't fall into documentary tedium nor based-on-true-story melodrama.
Scenes are slow and long takes plenty in Zhang Yangs trademark indie style which he advances from his acclaimed 1999 feature "Shower". Even for those not familiar with the Sixth Generation director's work, though, the genuine "Quitting" makes essential viewing.
This review of Quitting (2001) was written by Jackie on 06 Aug 2007.
Quitting has generally received positive reviews.
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