Wolfram My Writing Reviews Film 45th SFIFF Happy Times

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Happy Times

Happy Times is a highly touching and fascinating story that manages to be a tragic comedy about an old bumbling sentimental bullshiter and a hopeless blind girl. In a natural and unimposing way, the film presents many symbolic levels -- like Plato's Alegory of the Cave. In many ways, the story is beautifully simple -- like a myth. In still other ways, the story is beautifully deep -- also like a myth.

From China, Happy Times transcends cultures and brings a universally appealing story to the world. On top of all, it whispers, it gently mocks, and it offers hope when there is none. And hope is almost always hard to find.

Uplifting in it's sorrow, humorous in it's seriousness, Happy Times develops as a positive and life affirming tale. The movie is a pleasure to watch and is highly recommended by me. It resonates. Sony Pictures thought so too, and they have purchased the rights to distribute this film. Don't take my word for it. Look for it in your local theaters. You will be glad that you did.

Credits:
Country: China
Year: 2001
Run Time: 95 minutes
Cast: Zhao Benshan, Dong Jie, Li Xuejian, Gong Jinghua
Producer: Zhang Weiping, Yang Qinglong, Zhao Yu
Editor: Zhai Ru
Cinematographer: Hou Yong
Screenwriter: Gui Zi

This Film Was Viewed at the 45th San Francisco International Film Festival