Yi yi

The last time that I gave 5 out of 5 stars is one month ago, that movie is Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928). Since I saw that movie, I couldn't find any full-stars movie. Finally I found! What amazing movie! 2000 is the best year of the cinema, the best of Asian too! We had 2 great Hong Kong movies, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, In the Mood for Love and "Masterpiece" Taiwan, Yi Yi in the same year! Almost people, include Critics, thought that ITMFL and CTHD are the best Chinese- language movies that they've ever seen but I don't think like that. CTHD has the beautiful story, great scene, ITMFL has the great cinematography, great love but both of them have the sad ending that 2 people can't be happy... And Yi Yi, it's not only the movie, it's life, my life and your life. Many relationship that you can see in this movie that you saw or will see in your real life: family, friends, wife-husband, boyfriend-girlfriend, ex boyfriend-ex girlfriend...

Edward Yang's mix of long shots and static camera positions give this film the voyeuristic feel of a Frederick Wiseman documentary. Combined with Wei-han Yang's stunning photography and excellent performances by the cast, the effect is a compelling, intimate look at members of an extended family struggling with all that life offers. The stately pace with which the complex relationships unfold over the 2 hour and 53 minute running time along with poor subtitles may put off many American viewers, but the result is memorable film-making. (Have I mentioned that I love this movie?)

A beautifully crafted, wonderfully acted, soap operatic "slice-of -life" film that should please any fan of international cinema looking for something poetic, deeply moving, and dramatically satisfying. The intertwining tales of Tawainese families in an upscale apartment building work on every level and leave a viewer contemplative and happy that they took a chance with this Asian import.

Absolutely perfect in every sense of the word. I went into this film with huge expectations and it still blew them out of the water. I don't know what my all-time favorite final scene is, but this is definitely a contender.

The movie is a reflection of the lives of many, mainly a man named NJ. Its the nonchalant, uneventful, lost love and regrets filled life of NJ who doesn't do anything heroic or Hollywood but does what most of us would do - live life as it goes on. There is a heavy dose of reality injected into every character's dreams. The coulda-woulda that never becomes real. The teenage love that goes horribly wrong, the single adventurous mother who permanently changes the lives of the children who face the consequences for her lifestyle. Everything about humanity and human life is in this movie in all its normality. Its a mirror to what really goes on in most of our lives - the utter contradiction of dreams, fantasies, everlasting love, etc.

Words cannot describe how much I enjoyed this film, it really made me feel something special... I blind bought it on Criterion Collection Blue-Ray not knowing much about it. Wich was a great decision and 100% worth the purchase. This film left me speechless and with tears in my eyes. The cinematography was amazing with lots of static shots that pull you deeper into the story and make you appreciate every little detail. This film does a flawless job of portraying all aspects of life and the ending was truly perfect in every way. This is genuinely one of the best films I have ever watched and I am sure it will have a lasting impact on my life. This is definitely a masterpiece and another must watch...