helen bates

The movie has touched me deeply, though I cannot explain why. A woman loves a man, but cannot tell him. Her actions say it from everything she does, and we know this from the beginning. But she never says it. She is stronger than he is, and he crumbles. If he comes back, it is because of her strength. Is it a story of China? or relationships? or of what women will do for the men they love? These are all questions I cannot answer. But the lead actress is compelling in her silences and in her behavior. The movie is too long, not easily understandable, but touching and poetic. It is not for everyone, it is not a crowd pleaser, but Im very glad I saw it.