Review of Spring in a Small Town (1948) by Asa B — 25 Oct 2010
Fei Mu's Spring in a Small Town is a subtle masterpiece - and has been cited as being the greatest Chinese film of all time. Yuwen is a dutiful wife who tends to her ailing husband Liyan without complaint (except in voiceover narration).
The two were once a rather prosperous family, but Liyan has been sick now for the past 6 years. They live in a rural village with Liyan's younger sister Meimei and old Huang - the ever observant servant.
Life here is rather uneventful and mundane, but there is a change when they get a visit from Zhichen - a man who used to live in the village and has now moved on to become a big city doctor. Zhichen is best friends with Liyan, a former flame to Yuwen, and a thing of fascination to Meimei.
The film moves slowly and captures looks or gestures outlining how an individual can impact a place or time in not so much a way that is seen, but perhaps more felt by the characters or inhabitants. It certainly adheres to Communist tenets, but also one that has a universal theme.
A film to be savoured.
This review of Spring in a Small Town (1948) was written by Asa B on 25 Oct 2010.
Spring in a Small Town has generally received very positive reviews.
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