To Live

In the midst of the tumultuous Chinese Civil War and the subsequent Cultural Revolution, Fugui, a spoiled son of a wealthy landowner, squanders his family fortune on gambling. Stripped of his inheritance, he is forced to make a living as a travelling puppeteer alongside his resilient wife, Jiazhen. Their lives become a poignant chronicle of survival, enduring unimaginable hardship, political upheaval, and personal loss, as they navigate the defining moments of 20th-century China.

To Live was met with widespread critical acclaim, lauded for its powerful storytelling, stunning performances, and unflinching portrayal of Chinese history. While a significant critical success internationally, it faced censorship within China and was initially banned, only later to be released with cuts. Audiences, particularly those familiar with the historical context, found the film deeply moving and resonant.

• A profoundly moving and epic drama that masterfully depicts the struggles of ordinary people against the backdrop of immense historical change.

• Praised for its superb direction and the compelling performances of its lead actors, especially Gong Li.

• The film's ability to find humanity and resilience amidst tragedy is a consistent point of admiration.

Google audience: Google users largely commend 'To Live' for its emotional depth and its historical significance, highlighting the film's ability to convey the resilience of the human spirit through devastating historical events. The performances and Zhang Yimou's direction are frequently cited as strengths.

Cannes Film Festival Jury Prize, Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film (nominated), BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language (nominated).

The film was based on the novel 'To Live' by Yu Hua, which was itself inspired by real-life accounts of suffering during China's tumultuous 20th century.