Rare treats
Postmen in the Mountains is one of China's hidden gems, made by a director who sprinkles his films with soul and warmth. It's an easy recommend, if you can stand the slow pacing that is.
The good stuff
Very stylish and heartfelt romantic drama about the precarious balance between passion and trust. Though Huo is known to be a very skilled romance director, this film felt closer to Yibai Zhang's early work, sporting a more contemporary, urban vibe. Great cinematography and superb central performances make this a worthy entry in Huo's oeuvre.
I thoroughly enjoyed Zang's trip, not in the least because of Huo's skilful presentation.
If you're familiar with Chinese dramas then you'll feel right at home watching Love in the 1980s.
The film looks great, the actors do a good job and even though the soundtrack is a little inconspicuous the atmosphere is warm and inviting.
A pleasantly executed film featuring a strong lead and some good solid drama, splendid scenery and just breaths the couleur locale.
The inoffensive
A Love of Blueness fits in perfectly with a select number of films that illustrate the shift from China's 6th generation rural drama to more contemporary (genre) cinema. A stylish, urban romance with solid acting, some beautiful camera work and a decent plot. Not quite up there with the best (think Suzhou River), but worth a watch if you're interested in the recent rise of Chinese cinema.