Tao jie 2012

Critics score:
92 / 100

Reviews provided by RottenTomatoes

Rachel Saltz, New York Times: Ms. Hui, a rare successful female director in the Hong Kong film industry, drew her story from real events, and the movie retains a tonic flavor of the everyday: its drama unfolds simply, without explosive moments but not without emotion Read more

Ben Sachs, Chicago Reader: [T]he sort of film in which every detail feels unforced but essential. Read more

Sheri Linden, Los Angeles Times: Though overlong, Hui's valentine never milks the drama for tears, maintaining an unsentimental focus on the central duo's playful chemistry and the loving way Ah Tao's attention to detail is repaid. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: Here is a film with the clarity of fresh stream water, flowing without turmoil to shared destiny. No plot gimmicks. No twists and turns. Just a simple life. Read more

Trevor Johnston, Time Out: An exquisite and wise moment of celluloid portraiture. Read more

Ernest Hardy, Village Voice: Gingerly peels layer after layer of sharp insights into the dynamics of familial love, using compassion and droll humor as its tools. Read more

Mark Jenkins, Washington Post: Often poignant but leavened with humor. Read more