Dead Pigs
Dead Pigs

Movie spotlight

Dead Pigs

2018
Movie
122 min
Mandarin

A pig farmer, a busboy, a salon owner, an expat architect and a jaded rich girl cross paths as thousands of dead pigs float down the Yangtze River toward Shanghai.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Metacritic71/100
Google Users85%
Director: Cathy YanGenres: Drama, Comedy

Plot Summary

In Shanghai, a city undergoing rapid transformation, the carcasses of thousands of dead pigs mysteriously appear floating in the Huangpu River. This bizarre event intersects the lives of disparate individuals, including a sensitive veterinarian, a driven businesswoman, a lonely architect, and a group of expatriates. As the mystery of the pigs unfolds, the film explores themes of consumerism, environmental decay, and the human cost of unchecked progress.

Critical Reception

Dead Pigs received critical acclaim for its unique premise, stylish direction, and compelling performances. Critics praised its blend of dark humor and poignant social commentary, noting its ability to capture the anxieties of a rapidly modernizing China.

What Reviewers Say

  • A darkly humorous and visually striking examination of modern Chinese society.

  • Packs a surprising emotional punch amidst its surreal premise.

  • Praised for its sharp social satire and confident directorial debut.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's originality and its thought-provoking commentary on society and progress. Many found the blend of humor and drama to be effective, though some noted the surreal elements could be challenging.

Awards & Accolades

Premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival where it won the Nora Ephron Prize. Also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Director Cathy Yan drew inspiration for the film from a real-life incident in Shanghai in 2013 where over 16,000 dead pigs were found floating in the Huangpu River.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
badelf

badelf

What a delightful, light, enjoyable watch. The pacing is a a little off, but it's a first film for Cathy Yan so that's forgivable.