Tiger Woohoo
Tiger Woohoo

Movie spotlight

Tiger Woohoo

2010
Movie
95 min
English

'Woohoo' (tiger dance) is a tradition practiced in a small village (Beserah, Kuantan) during a prayer ceremony every 60 years. As the only elder who knows "Woohoo" can no longer perform, his filial granddaughter put up a misleading advertisement which in turn attracts five youngsters from different backgrounds - bad-tempered bank security man Ah Beng, indecisive Char Kuey Teow hawker Ah Huat, effeminate designer Rain, university student Bobby and smart alec Alan - to be trained as 'woohoo' players. After some tough training, they finally look like a formidable team. However, few days before the anticipated festival day, the only 'tiger head"'is accidentally destroyed by the mischievous kids in the village.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes70%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users75%
Director: Jia ZhangkeGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

This film follows the intertwined lives of several individuals struggling with modernity and tradition in China. A former dancer, a street vendor, and a migrant worker each grapple with their personal ambitions and the vast societal changes occurring around them. Their stories converge against a backdrop of economic upheaval and shifting cultural values, highlighting the complexities of identity and survival.

Critical Reception

Tiger Woohoo received a mixed to positive reception from critics, with many praising Jia Zhangke's distinctive directorial style and his keen observation of contemporary Chinese society. While some found the film's narrative occasionally fragmented, the performances and its realistic portrayal of everyday struggles were generally commended.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its authentic depiction of Chinese life.

  • Jia Zhangke's signature observational style is evident.

  • Some viewers found the pacing deliberate and the narrative structure challenging.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's realistic portrayal of societal changes in China and the relatable struggles of its characters. Some noted its artistic merit, while others found it a bit slow or difficult to follow.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Golden Lion at the 67th Venice International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film's title, 'Tiger Woohoo,' is a playful and slightly nonsensical phrase that reflects the director's intention to capture a certain chaotic energy and perhaps a touch of dark humor within the everyday lives of his characters.

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