Set against the backdrop of the barren rural areas in North China, the film examines the occurring issues troubling local villagers, particularly from a modern-day widow-turned-shaman-witch's POV, and with most of its running time in black and white. As part of the group trying to survive, the witch (, or the fairy, according to the film's original Chinese title,) is forced to make a living by deceits, and then by chance and luck, becomes much-needed by her fellow villagers. However, while showing salvation, the protagonist gradually unveils some more shocking truths beneath lies, among superstition and human nature.
The ensemble performance is convincing in that it helps the director construct such a simple, true-to-life yet powerful narrative that is more than just a docu-drama or a dark comedy ( like "Free and Easy") about the northern landscape and ordinary people. Rather, it is a surrealist drama that yells at you calmly yet whole-heartedly every now and then.
7.5/10, to be honest.
The ensemble performance is convincing in that it helps the director construct such a simple, true-to-life yet powerful narrative that is more than just a docu-drama or a dark comedy ( like "Free and Easy") about the northern landscape and ordinary people. Rather, it is a surrealist drama that yells at you calmly yet whole-heartedly every now and then.
7.5/10, to be honest.
