Movie spotlight
Cherries
Set in the village of Aicun, Yunnan province, pic begins in the early '80s, with poor, lame farmer Ge Wang (Tuo Guoquan) pressured by his family to marry the mentally and emotionally stunted Cherry (Miao Pu). Ge weds the unkempt but harmless woman, who spends most of her time chasing children and offering them the fruit that is her namesake. Once married, the shamelessly sexual and embarrassingly naive Cherry shows an insatiable desire to have her own child. Fate intervenes in the second act when Cherry finds an abandoned baby girl in the woods. Though the sprig, named Scarlet, comes complete with a handful of bank notes, Ge panics, thinking he can't afford to raise a child, and reacts in callous fashion. Final section puts a pre-pubescent Scarlet (Long Li) centerstage as she deals with the stigma of having a mentally handicapped mother whose affection is both infinite and frequently inappropriate.
Insights
Plot Summary
This is a drama film that delves into the complexities of relationships and personal struggles. The story follows a group of characters navigating their lives, love, and the challenges they face. It explores themes of desire, betrayal, and the search for happiness.
Critical Reception
Cherries received a limited release and did not garner widespread critical attention. Reviews were mixed, with some acknowledging the emotional depth while others found the narrative underdeveloped. Audience reception was also varied, with no significant consensus.
What Reviewers Say
The film attempts to explore complex emotional themes but occasionally falls short in execution.
Performances are noted as earnest, though some critics found the pacing to be slow.
The visual style was sometimes praised for its mood, but the overall impact was inconsistent.
Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews for 'Cherries (2008)' is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was shot in Macedonia, highlighting local landscapes and culture.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources