To Live Again

In a small Chinese village, a woman named Qiu Ju is determined to seek justice for her husband, who was beaten by a village head. Despite facing numerous obstacles and bureaucratic hurdles, she embarks on a relentless quest, even taking her case to the highest levels of the legal system. Her unwavering pursuit of fairness highlights the complexities of law and personal dignity within a changing society.

Zhang Yimou's "To Live Again" (also known as "The Story of Qiu Ju") was widely praised by critics for its raw, neorealist style and Gong Li's compelling performance. It offered a nuanced look at rural Chinese life and the legal system, earning international acclaim.

• Gong Li delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as the determined Qiu Ju.
• The film's stark, documentary-like style effectively captures the realities of rural Chinese life.
• Zhang Yimou masterfully explores themes of justice, perseverance, and cultural clashes.

Google audience: Audiences generally praised the film's authenticity and Gong Li's strong portrayal of a resilient woman. Many appreciated its insightful commentary on the Chinese legal system and rural society, though some found the pacing deliberately slow.

Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, Best Actress for Gong Li at the Venice Film Festival, Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.

Director Zhang Yimou famously instructed Gong Li to gain weight for the role of Qiu Ju to make her appear more like a real rural woman, a request she fulfilled by eating substantial meals and avoiding exercise.