Happy Times: Amazon.ca: Dong Jie, Zhao Benshan, Zhang Yimou, Edward R. Pressman, Terrence Malick, Ltd.; Guangxi Film Studios; Sunflower Productions; Zhuhai Zhenrong Co Beijing New Picture Distribution Co.: DVD

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Customer Reviews

14 Reviews

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Average Customer Review

4.7 out of 5 stars (14 customer reviews)

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect, July 16 2004

By

Howie "tomas" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Happy Times (DVD)

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I've long been a film buff - my favorite films tend to be artsy and rather pedantic. Because of this, my family generally doesn't like to sit with me and watch movies.

So, when I started "Happy Times" last night, I thought they'd gradually wander off and find something else to do.

But, they were enthralled! This movie is the perfect balancing act between comedy, drama, and the enduring love we feel for those who have touched us in a special way.

This is a great, great movie.

Too many Americans shun foreign films. This is one they shouldn't miss. When the movie ended, my oldest son turned to me and said, "Wow. I think Hollywood has forgotten how to make movies like this!"

American filmmakers seem to think they have to descend to the baser instincts in order to make "adult" movies.

Yet, "Happy Times" - and countless other foreign films - never seem to sink to this level. These films are always excellent.

I think the issue is that Hollywood has forgotten how to write a good story; they've forgotten that basic human values can be enduring, can be entertaining, if only they would jettison their cynical baggage.

"Happy Times" will make you laugh and cry, smile and reflect with pride on the better angels of our nature.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars [Anything but] Happy Times, Mar 31 2003

By

Andy Orrock (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Happy Times (DVD)

Despite the upbeat title, 'Happy Times' depicts anything but...abuse by a stepmother, abandonment by a natural father, massive structural unemployment, a future of limited hope for each of the protagonists.

Through all of this despair, the natural goodness of Benshan Zhao's character (also called "Zhao") shines through. His ruses get more complicated and difficult to sort out, but in the second-half of the film, his growing care and concern for "Little Wu" (skillfully portrayed by Dong Jie) is obvious.

I defy anyone to watch 'Happy Times' without tears streaming down your cheeks by the end. I definitely recommend a rental/purchase, but you may want to pair it with something a bit more upbeat or comedic. This is a heartbreaking movie.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Do not let the picture on the box fool you - this is an excellent movie., Feb 2 2008

By

Glenn Laycock (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Happy Times (DVD)

I just happened to see this on CBC, and bought the DVD last week. It is worth seeing for the performance of Dong Jie alone -- what a wonderful performance. You will be touched by her expressions and gestures (grabbing the watch or shirt when stressed). The cast were so critical for this "simple" story as they convey a full package of history by portraying complete characters.

I did some research and found out the ending on this version was NOT the original. The original was less dramatic and much shorter - though it looks like the director perferred the one on the DVD.

This is a movie that dances around deception -- the floweres are cut to look like more expensive roses, the large woman treats the girl one way with company and another when just her son is there. It also shows how MOTIVE is key to behaviours and is the difference between angels and wolves.

There is also a theme of what "modern capitalistic" society sees as having no value, and throws away -- so the bus, factory, seniors, and handicapped.

There is far more to this story then is on the surface. I highly recommend it.

THE ENDING - SPOILER

The original ending follows Zhao and "little" Wu walking to work. He finds the factory being demolished, but they continues into the "massage-room" where they sit while he reads her "father's" letter (the one Zhao wrote). As this happens, the camera moves away from them until they are in long shot -- with the room they made, surrounded by machinery taking the building apart with the inevitability that those machines will soon take the room apart too, and the film ends.

Both endings work.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars IT IS MY FAVOR
I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO SAY,BUT IT IS REALLY GOOD,I LIKE IT VERY MUCH

Published on Feb 19 2004 by IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE

5.0 out of 5 stars Happy viewing, at least.
Zhang Yimou's ironically titled *Happy Times* is really a remarkable tightrope act: it offers us some very sappy melodrama while commenting on its own artifices, and gets away... Read more

Published on Sep 21 2003