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Beijing Bicycle
2001
Wang Xiaoshuai's moving, emotional BEIJING BICYCLE tells the story of a young country boy, Guei (Cui Lin), who comes to the big city determined to make it. He soon finds a job as a bike messenger in which he gets a small percentage of each delivery, working hard to build up enough credit to eventually own the bike for himself. .. Read more
| Starring | Li Bin, Zhou Xun |
|---|---|
| Director | Wang Xiaoshuai |
| Genres | Drama, World Cinema |
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Beijing Bicycle
Wang Xiaoshuai's moving, emotional BEIJING BICYCLE tells the story of a young country boy, Guei (Cui Lin), who comes to the big city determined to make it. He soon finds a job as a bike messenger in which he gets a small percentage of each delivery, working hard to build up enough credit to eventually own the bike for himself. As he grows closer to his goal, the bike is stolen and ultimately winds up in the hands of Jian (Li Bin), a poor city boy who sees the bike as his only way to make friends and impress the girl he loves. With both boys claiming the bike is theirs, a series of fights ensues over what is more than just a bike--it has become a symbol of success, power, and greed in a changing country.
Lin and Bin are excellent as the two boys battling over the bike; it is heartbreaking to watch Lin keep a tight hold of the bike even as Bin and his friends beat him senseless. Cinematographer Lui Jie depicts a very different China, one that is filled with dangerous, meandering alleys and frightening poverty. The film, almost devoid of color save for a young woman's red dress and shoes, is reminiscent of Vittori De Sica's BICYCLE THIEF and Peter Yates's BREAKING AWAY; the freedom the bicycle represents overwhelms both young boys as they risk their lives to hold on to it. The film won a Silver Berlin Bear for its honest, gritty, heartfelt depiction of a Beijing that is not often seen in the West.
| Starring | Li Bin, Zhou Xun |
|---|---|
| Director | Wang Xiaoshuai |
| Studio | PALISADES TARTAN |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 45 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama, World Cinema |
| Language | Mandarin |
| Subtitles | English |
| Released | DVD: 18 Nov 2002 Production year: 2001 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (6)
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Reducing the emphasis Vittorio De Sica placed on the search for a stolen cycle, director Wang Xiaoshuai explores the social and psychological pressure of making one's mark in the world in this homage to the Italian neorealist classic Bicycle Thieves. Country boy Cui Lin's gruelling progress as a pedal-bike courier is cut short when his only means of support is swiped. But Wang's portrayal of this event is less an attempt to elicit sympathy for him than the conscious establishment of a contrast to the need demonstrated by teenager Li Bin. He refuses to part with the bike he acquired at a flea market, as his status at school depends upon it.
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A late variation on Vittorio De Sica's Bicycle Thieves, in which the emphasis is less on the problems of making a living, and more on the difficulties and particular stresses of urban life.
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Most helpful member's review
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13 out of 14 people found this review helpful
One Chinese opinion on this film
As a chinese student in UK, i knew this film about two and half years ago when i just came here. But i did't pay attention to this film. 'cause i don't like chinese films for propaganda purpose. Unfortunately, nowadays lots of chinese films are this kind.
A few days ago, i watched this film. After that i have to say it's absolutely good one. Beijing Bicycle is normal film about very usual thing which happened in China everyday. And because this, it makes big differece. As a chinese i konw what's it like in China , in Beijing or every big city. This kind of little thing happened around us every moment everyday. So this film made me feel that's real lives in China and made me think about something after watching.
if you're from different culture, maybe you won't really understand this story. Anyway i recommend you rent and watch it. -
Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
A fascinating film experience. Don't forget that China, inspite of huge economic growth, is a state controlled state where censorship is still enforced. Critics of this headlong rush towards capitalism have to hide their comments with allegory, in this case the bicycle. Nevertheless it is also the touching tale of two boys learning (or not) how to survive in this new country.
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Wang Xiaoshuai's moving, emotional BEIJING BICYCLE tells the story of a young country boy, Guei (Cui Lin), who comes to the big city determined to make it. He soon finds a job as a bike messenger in ... -