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Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles Review

Movies.com Critics

3.5

Dave White Profile

… feels less condescending … Read full review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 4.0
    73

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Generally favorable reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 70

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Kevin Thomas

    Unlikely to be ranked as one of Zhang's greatest accomplishments but is clearly the work of a major filmmaker. It is best seen as a heartfelt tribute to Takakura, as heroic and enduring a star as John Wayne.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    The New York Times

    A little uncanny (has it been digitally manipulated?) and a whole lot clichd, the tableau speaks of melancholy graced by a pale sliver of hope. You'd roll your eyes if they weren't so dazzled.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    Variety

    A simple, low-budget, contempo dramedy -- with plenty of clever plot reversals.

    Read Full Review

  • 80

    out of 100

    The Hollywood Reporter Kirk Honeycutt

    Turning away from his highly entertaining epics "Hero" and "House of Flying Daggers," Zhang Yimou goes for utter simplicity in Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles, a film of much distilled wit and wisdom.

    Read Full Review

  • 83

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Scott Brown

    Ken Takakura, a great rain-creased oak of an actor, delivers a quietly massive performance.

    Read Full Review

  • See all Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles reviews at Metacritic.com

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Fan Reviews provided by

Average Rating: 3.148
Read all reviews Write a review at Fandango
5

RIDING ALONE: Subtlely Beautiful Masterwork by lugubriousthespian
Zhang Yimou's deceptively simple story of a father desperately attempting to make ammends with his estranged son is simply one of the most heart-felt movies to come along in a very long while. It may have gotten lost in between all of his big blockbuster epics like HERO and HOUSE OF FYLING DAGGERS, but this film excels at the quiet dignity of a Japanese father ( the wonderful Ken Takakura ) overcoming great beauracratic obstacles to locate a disenfranchised, Chinese Opera singer and videotape him for his dying son. Along the way he befriends another man's boy and and begins a long journey of redemption and self discovery. A truly unique and stunningly powerful story as only this master film-maker could deliver. You won't soon forget this one-of-kind movie!

5

by Jedlander2001

5

by pinkflowers24

Read all Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles reviews at Fandango
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