Jian wang cun (2017) Reviews

• I wasn't sure what to think...

  evemas-am2017-04-04

  If you ask me to describe this movie in one word, I would go with 'Weird'. This is one of those weird movies with a shallow-looking surface that contains more beneath its exterior; almost like the iceberg effect, just not as intricate. The interesting thing about this movie is that even though I had watched its trailer beforehand, I still wasn't sure what to expect. So, as the plot unraveled itself, I was taken by surprise multiple times. If you are into slapstick comedy along with some dark humour and a bit of action, this movie is for you. I also liked this movie's unusual style. I should also give credit to its beautiful cinematic effects and vivid colors. Hope you also enjoy it!

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• Great, Strange Movie

  reallyevilboy2017-07-11

  From looking at the preview of this movie it's unknown what exactly you're in for. For me it looked like a very dark, the blackest of black comedies. It was a black comedy but thankfully a great deal lighter than I expected. It felt more like a Coen brothers movie. The bandits who sing acapella. The killer post lady, meekly grappling with learning to ride a bicycle. The kites and crispy springrolls made out of skin -OH. This has both dark and light moments which make it a very enjoyable movie.

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• Quirky Taiwanese comedy

  Leofwine_draca2018-01-11

  THE VILLAGE OF NO RETURN is a quirky Taiwanese comedy made with Chinese backing. It takes a while to get going with a slow, drawn-out, and somewhat nonsensical first half, but things gradually pick up for the second section as the plot kicks into place properly. The main problem is that it feels a bit disjointed and episodic in nature. A magic spell has the ability to erase the memories of a number of villagers, but a party of bandits are planning to rob the place, so a conflict of sorts ensues between the two sides. The film boasts a solid turn from the reliably amusing Shu Qi and a nice little cameo from Eric Tsang (too brief, though) along with plenty of bizarre jokes and slapstick moments. Some of the darker and more gruesome gags come out of nowhere to shock and surprise, while there's even a tiny bit of action. The a capella music is the best part of it.

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• Quirky, strange, and what was that there all about?

  Snootz2019-01-02

  This is one of the strangest, most unique, quirky, unusual... well, you get the idea. I won't spoil a second of it, because there is no telling what tiny reveal might ruin the movie for someone. I give it 6 stars because it has a unique story and holds interest all the way through, but unfortunately has a rather weak ending. The main actress was beautiful and talented and in my opinion the real saving grace of the film. She did very well in all aspects of the personality shifts they put her through. For me she brought the only actual comedic laugh in the whole film. The rest of the cast was just nuts. I'm sure they had a lot of fun making this. The directing was excellent considering the context of the story. This is dark humor, fairly well-done. If not for the anti-climactic ending I could have rated it higher. The real problem with the film is that it really says nothing. It is cohesive, holds the storyline most of the way through, and makes sense (kinda). It's just that it does't really have much to say about anything. It's understood that not every film has to teach a lesson or even have a point. It's just that one keeps expecting this whole convoluted story to wind up somewhere... and it just doesn't. About all one can say in the end is "Well, that was certainly strange". Worth watching? Honestly, I can't really say... and that pretty much sums it up.

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• Substance beneath the Odd

  dafrosts2018-02-11

  Uhm, what? Was my first thought as I reached the half way point in this movie. It's weird, but a good kind of weird. The one that has a moral to it, if you're willing to see it. The gist is there's a railroad coming through a small village that can only be reached by a one man rope bridge (No way I'd ever use it in a million years) Or by a rope you literally hang from to get from one side to the other. The townsfolk are convinced by their leader that building a train station will bring them unbelievable riches. The problem is, they don't have the money in the coffers to build it. No one wants to spend their own money to help build it, but most of them want the money the train station is promised to bring. Eric Tsang is a power hungry elitist who wants to one day be Emperor. He has a plot that involves blowing up a few people. No biggie, if you get the right person to do the job. Eric doesn't. He gets a dense man called Big Pie to do it. Big Pie, accidentally dies before he can carry out his assignment. So, Eric has to restart the plot using a Gang Leader who is disguised as a Postal Carrier. Yup, best way to get from one assignment to another is to deliver the mail. She is given the same gear Big Pie had and a bicycle to carry out her assignment. Into the mix comes a faux Monk, who arrives in the small town as the villagers are trying to figure out who killed Big Pie (it's later revealed it was an accident brought about by a chicken carrying a bag of deadly herbs). The Monk has a device called the Worry Ridder that will reveal the killer. It's basically a hat with a lot of doodads on it that literally sucks the worries from your mind and transforms them into what looks like a silk worm cocoon. The brainwashed villagers split their days between digging for a treasure the Monk is sure is hidden there and praising the lying Monk. Some villagers began to recall their true selves after Autumn begins viewing the cocoons by inserting them in the Worry Ridder. Further issues for the Monk arise with the return of Autumn's betrothed Dean, who was supposed to be off in the city working with the Government but is actually with the Cloud Clan gang - a group of singing postal workers. There is too much weirdness to mention in this review. Suffice it to say, you have to watch this movie from beginning to end to appreciate it. People rediscover themselves and get a new leash on life. Especially Wan, a Kung Fu Expert who is afraid to use his skills, at least until the end when he kicks some serious Cloud Clan tush and gives Eric his comeuppance. The acapella singing as the credits roll, is a bit annoying but good. Like I said, you have to view this movie to appreciate it's moral telling weirdness.

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