Set amidst a coup in the north African nation of "Numia" this story follows the activities of "Zong" (Yi Zhang) and "Cheng Lang" (Karry Wang). These two work in the Chinese embassy in the capital of this war-torn country when they find out that a group of civilians have been stranded at a remote desert location. They are tasked with trying to rescue them and lead them to safety in neighbouring "Tulisia". The elder man has previous with rescue missions, having carried out a similar operation in Lebanon. The younger is more enthusiastic but green. Together they must learn to trust each other whilst avoiding the perils that endanger the lives of themselves and their party as they seek safety. This film is simply too long - at over 2¼ hours long - and the story, though quite busy and exciting at times, has more than it's fair share of serendipity that robs it of much actual jeopardy. The young man turns in a decent performance as he wrestles with his desire to tell the truth about the extent of their predicament versus his boss who is far more pragmatic, but somehow the rest of the characterisations are straight from a central casting manual - brave, stoic, dedicated - yes, but somehow lacking in soul or personality. They are in the middle of a death trap with bombs and bullets everywhere (these effects are pretty authentic looking, too), yet the film itself comes across as sterile and rather procedural. Conspiracy theorists may love the big brother/satellite surveillance aspect towards the end but otherwise it might as well be an outing for Bruce Willis. There also appears to be a pretty interminable supply of coaches and bottled water here, too... Worth a watch, just about, and it is no worst than some similar Hollywood efforts but it's instantly forgettable fayre.
Guoren travels the villages, selling goods of all kinds while he hunts for the man who stole the money for his son's care. Madou, one of the many abandoned children in the villages, hides in Guoren's truck so he can look for his father. A powerful but cathartic trip through rural China with a neorealist touch and non-professional actors who add authenticity to the story, prompting spontaneous laughter despite the challenging issues involved.
A sister and brother face the realities of familial responsibility as they begin to care for their ailing father.
A woman struggles to interact with her family and find her place in society after spending fifteen years in prison.
Pierre, a professional dancer, suffers from a serious heart disease. While he is waiting for a transplant which may (or may not) save his life, he has nothing better to do than look at the people around him, from the balcony of his Paris apartment.
In southern France, a Franco-Arabic shipyard worker along with his partner's daughter pursues his dream of opening a restaurant.
Told in four vignettes, this existential comedy relates the exploits of four aspiring criminals who hope to improve their lot, but find that they might not have what it takes for a life of crime.
After the death of a septuagenarian woman, her three children deliberate over what to do with her estate.
A mysterious stranger works outside the law and keeps his objectives hidden, trusting no one. While his demeanor is paradoxically focused and dreamlike all at once, he embarks on a journey that not only takes him across Spain, but also through his own consciousness.
Insurance executive Charles suspects his wife Hélène of playing the field, so he has a private detective locate his wife's lover, author Victor Pegala.