DWELLING IN THE FUCHUN MOUNTAINS (CHINESE MIFF MOVIE REVIEW)



8/10

Originally DWELLING IN THE FUCHUN MOUNTAINS is the 14th century Chinese painting by the famous artist Huang Gongwang. The movie is the modern version of the painting’s landscape brought to life, where the changing seasons are interwoven with human lives. 

Focusing on the lives of three brothers we follow them through their troubles and tribulations. There are many plot points, but the main ones involve the two young sweethearts who decide to get married against their parents’ wishes and the the life of the younger brother, that spirals out of control when he starts borrowing money from shady people. 

The best thing about DWELLING is its authenticity, the  characters seem to live their lives normally and unaware that the camera is following them around. The movie also transpires the feeling of abandonment, as progress invades the corners of the world it is never supposed to, inevitably changing people’s lives, some for the best some for the worst.

To sit through the 2.5 hour film is a bit of a chore, but somewhat gives you a sense of accomplishment. It also does not require a lot of concentration as the story unfolds slowly and carefully like an ancient scroll, with an almost hypnotic quality, plunging you into a different world. Here the life is like Fuchun river itself - harsh bleak cold, but ultimately rewarding.

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