A really big chunk-of-Chinese-life flick and open ended narrative, "To Live" follows a married working class Chinese couple from the late 40's through the cultural revolution into the 70's. Unfortunately the film can't seem to find it's niche as it slips mercurially from comedy to drama never quite knowing when it's serious; a foible with is further confounded by the old school Chinese melodramatic style, characters who do everything by knee jerk, contrived scenes (particularly the war scenes), nebulous political undercurrents, and the no moral or message. Although the film received accolades from critics and public alike, I just couldn't get my head into this silly, wandering tale which I watched on the heels of "Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl", a much better pic IMHO. Recommended only for those really into Chinese film. (C+)
