Dao ziran qu: A slow, dusty walk through old memories

Is it worth the time?

Look, if you are looking for a pulse-pounding thriller, skip this one immediately. You will be checking your watch by the ten-minute mark. However, if you enjoy movies that feel like a dusty book you found in an attic, this might actually stick with you.

It’s quiet. Maybe a little too quiet sometimes. The performances by Yan Jin and Li-li Li are subtle, which is just fancy talk for 'they don't do much, but it works.' They carry a heavy weight in their faces that makes the dialogue almost unnecessary.

The rhythm of the thing

There is this one scene—the one near the middle—where someone is just boiling water for tea. It goes on for an eternity. I sat there waiting for a plot point, a secret, or at least a kettle whistle. Nothing. Just steam and a long, awkward stare into the distance. ☕

It’s oddly hypnotic, though. It reminded me a bit of the pacing in Blind Youth, where the silence tells more than the script ever could. Not that they are the same movie, but they share that same dusty, lived-in DNA.

• The lighting in the exterior shots feels like a faded postcard.
• Some of the background extras look like they forgot the cameras were even rolling.
• The soundtrack is mostly just wind and distant bird noises.

It’s not perfect. The middle act drags its feet like a tired toddler. There are moments where the film clearly thinks it’s being more profound than it actually is, and you can feel it trying to nudge you into an emotional response that hasn't been earned yet. Just let the characters exist, man.

Comparing this to something like Estudantes is tough because they are trying to do such different things. One is all youthful energy, while this one feels like it’s nursing a cup of lukewarm tea and thinking about yesterday. It’s uneven, it’s a bit messy, and I kinda liked it for that.

Don't expect a polished gem. Expect a rough, honest, slightly stubborn piece of cinema. Sometimes the best movies are the ones that don't know how to finish a thought properly. 🍃