Insight This is it, the final release in the 2001 Silk Screen Collection and like its two predecessors "Vertical Rays of the Sun" and "Shadow Magic", "Beijing Bicycle" is just as good as they were and just as entertaining. China is the worlds most populated country and the bicycle is part of its history. Director Wang Xiaoshuai explained "The bicycle has a special meaning for China. We all went through the time when we were jubilant about getting a bike and heart broken over losing one." "The bicycle may only be a material symbol, but it's also a symbol of China." Wang has taken the story of a country boy who comes to the big city of Beijing to become a bicycle courier, way beyond the boundaries of just a story about a young man and a push bike. He has created a film rich in character, vibrant and at times teasing. "Beijing Bicycle" is about joy, success, dogged determination, frustration and the bonding of two beings through a bicycle. The film is unlike anything you will see, far removed from our traditional free world style of cinema. Here Xang relies on conflict, compassion, hints of love and richness in the vision surrounding actors. It makes a refreshing change to see how intricate it must be to work within the close confines of a culture like China and produce a film that would appeal well in a country that boast a population of 1 billion people. The potential to succeed here while working within home grown boundaries would be vast indeed, and a good film will guarantee instant success. So, to also produce a film that works well and appeals to a western, free society is indeed a remarkable achievement. Wang Xiaoshuai has done just that with "Beijing Bicycle", so much so that both the male leads were awarded the "Berlin Film Festival New Talent Award". The Story Guei [Cui Lin] has moved from his village in the country to teeming Beijing. Here he finds a job as a bicycle courier. Every trip he successfully completes will earn him a credit towards ownership of the bicyle. He works hard and achieves remarkable results. All is going well until his "Merida" bicycle is stolen. Guei is frantic as he searches everywhere but without success. He is resigned to the fact that it has been stolen but is determined to find it. When he discovers Jian [Li Bin] is in possession of his pride and joy he endevours to reclaim it. Things do not go well. Jian is protected by his gang of school mates and they treat Guei harshly. What developes is a grand film about two opposites who become one for the sake of sharing a bicycle. Unfortunately by doing so it will lead them into troubled and dangerous waters. Wang has done a marvellous job bringing "Beijing Bicycle" through its many beautiful paths to a finale` chase scene that is magnificent to watch. The Verdict "As refreshing as a sea breeze on a summers day. Director Xang Xiaoshuai has ensured the entertainment value of "the Silk Screen Collection" and its fine reputation for quality film, is not only kept intact, but is further enriched by this grand movie called "Beijing Bicycle. It was well worth the wait." The Critics

"A startling and fresh examination of how the bike still remains an ambiguous icon in Chinese society." Kevin Courrier BOXOFFICE MAGAZINE "Now here's a sadistic bike flick that would have made Vittorio De Sica proud." Ed Gonzalez SLANT MAGAZINE "One of those movies that make us pause and think of what we have given up to acquire the fast-paced contemporary society." Harvey S Karten COMPUSERVE

The Cast

Cui Lin Li Bin Zhou Xun Gao Yuanyuahn Li Shuang Zhao Yiwel Pang Yan Zhou Fangfei Xie Jian Ma Yuhong Liu Lei Li Mengnan

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Guei Jian Qin Xiao Da Huan Father Mother Rong Rong Manager Accountant Mantis Qui Sheng

Directed by Wang Xiaoshuai Rated [AUST] PG Run Time 113 minutes ©2002 - Sony Pictures Classics - All Rights Reserved