The Big Whinge

My Father and I

Here's a film from China that makes you feel guilty for not being nicer to your father.

In My Father and I, Xiao Yu is reunited with her father Lao Yu after the death of her mother. Dad is a bit of a scroundrel with a dubious source of income, but he enthusiastically takes on his parental duties after years of absence.

Xiao Yu is understandably suspicious and despite warnings from her aunt that her father is no good, a bond is slowly forged between father and daughter.

The story spans a decade or so of their relationship and follows them as they weave in and out of each other's lives.

I was surprised at how the parent-child dynamics were portrayed so differently to the idealised standard that Chinese children everywhere (regardless of where they call home) have drummed into them.

First-time director Xu Jinglei, who also wrote, directed and played a lead in the film, creates a work that makes you care for these flawed characters. The film was shot on a tight budget but the actors' natural performances and the touching story cut through. The father's enduring faith in and forgiveness of his daughter just hurts to watch.

This is highly recommended but be warned - films from Mainland China always have tragic outcomes. Still, very worthwhile - it lingers long after the final scenes.

posted by Yarravillean @ 9:51 pm