This film closes on Wednesday, May 28th.

EXCLUSIVELY AT IFI

A thrillingly forthright survey of contemporary Chinese society, Jia Zhangke’s state-of-the-nation address decries a country gradually being corrupted by capitalism and violence, as an increasing divide grows between the urban haves and the rural have-nots.

Told in a quartet of interweaving episodes, each sees a member of this new, oppressed class do their best to strike against their newly moneyed subjugators and the evolving economic system: a villager enraged by self-serving local chiefs takes revenge on the part of the collective; a migrant worker does what he has to in order to survive; a sauna receptionist is threatened with rape by a disgruntled customer; and a young factory worker tries desperately to improve his lot. The anger at the heart of the film makes for occasionally uncomfortable viewing, but it is a vital portrayal of one of the world’s great powers. (Notes by Kevin Coyne.)

This film will feature as part of May’s FREE film club meeting, The Critical Take, on Monday, May 26th at 18.30. This club is open to all so please join us to chat about this film and more! Simply collect your free ticket at the IFI Box Office.

Don’t forget we now schedule weekly.

★★★★ The Irish Times