Last Train Home
Last Train Home

Movie spotlight

Last Train Home

2015
Movie
19 min
English

Boris beat Inspector Christian in the subway when he asked him for a ticket. Emily, Boris's sister, now has to deal with a reputation as "subway bully sister" and becomes the victim of Christian's revenge.

Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic78/100
Google Users85%
Director: Lixin FanGenres: Documentary, Family

Plot Summary

This documentary follows the Zhang family over several years as they undertake the annual migrant worker pilgrimage in China, known as 'chunyun'. The film intimately captures their struggles, sacrifices, and the profound impact of economic migration on family bonds and individual dreams. It highlights the emotional toll of separation and the enduring hope for a better future amidst challenging circumstances.

Critical Reception

Last Train Home was widely acclaimed by critics for its intimate portrayal of a significant social issue in China and its powerful emotional resonance. Reviewers praised the filmmaker's ability to gain the trust of the subjects and capture authentic, deeply personal moments.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply moving and visually striking look at the human cost of China's economic boom.

  • Masterful filmmaking that captures the universal themes of family and sacrifice.

  • Offers a rare and poignant glimpse into the lives of migrant workers.

Google audience: Viewers found the documentary to be heartbreakingly real and emotionally impactful, highlighting its success in portraying the struggles of migrant families and the sacrifices they make. Many appreciated the film's authentic and intimate storytelling.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Grand Jury Prize for World Cinema Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival and the Berlinale Documentary Competition.

Fun Fact

The film was shot over a period of three years, allowing the director to build a deep rapport with the Zhang family and capture their lives in a truly intimate way.

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