The Story of Qiu Ju [VHS]

In this remarkable film about a woman obsessed with exacting an apology from the chief of her small village, director Zhang Yimou (Red Sorghum, Raise the Red Lantern) tells a deceptively simple story with incredible art. When Wang Shantang (Lei Laosheng), the chief, kicks a chili farmer, Quinglai (Liu Peiqi), between the legs, all the farmer's wife, Qiu Ju (Gong Li), wants is an apology. The chief's reticence sends Qiu Ju on a misguided journey through the legal system in search of satisfaction. What she gets, however, is a harsh lesson in "be careful of what you ask for." In the end she finds that life can frustrate our attempts at harmony in the simplest, cruelest ways. Among the most notable aspects of this film are the marvelous performances by Gong Li and her supporting cast. As an example of artistic storytelling, this film is as close to flawless as one is likely to find. If you haven't yet discovered Zhang Yimou, you have a real treat in store. --James McGrath