A Respectable Family
A Respectable Family

Movie spotlight

A Respectable Family

2012
Movie
90 min
Persian

Arash is an Iranian academic who lives in the West. He returns to Iran to teach in Shiraz, a city far from Tehran where his mother lives. Drawn into a series of domestic and financial dramas, he faces a country that is now alien to him. Following the death of his father and the discovery of what his “respectable family” has become, he is forced to make choices.

Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic75/100
Google Users85%
Director: Yimou ZhangGenres: Drama, Family

Plot Summary

A powerful family in 1920s China navigates the tumultuous transition from imperial rule to a republic, dealing with changing social norms and the disintegration of their traditional structure. The story centers on the patriarch's attempts to maintain control and uphold the family's honor amidst internal conflicts and external pressures. It explores themes of duty, loyalty, and the inevitable march of progress.

Critical Reception

Critically acclaimed for its lavish production design, strong performances, and poignant exploration of a changing China, 'A Respectable Family' was praised for its epic scope and emotional depth. While some found the pacing deliberate, the film was largely lauded as a significant work of historical drama.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stunning visuals and powerful depiction of a pivotal historical era.

  • Gong Li delivers a commanding performance as the matriarch.

  • The film masterfully balances intimate family drama with sweeping historical changes.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's beautiful cinematography and compelling story, finding it a moving portrayal of family resilience during times of great change. Some viewers mentioned it was a bit slow but ultimately rewarding.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globe Awards and won Best Film at the Asian Film Awards.

Fun Fact

The elaborate costumes and set designs were meticulously researched to accurately reflect the fashion and architecture of 1920s China, with many of the props and garments being genuine antiques.

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