Ying Liang does it again, but this time with a lot more duration. His new film is good, it's interesting, but it's very long winded. The characters leave a bit to be desired, they're lost and you really just want them to be found, but it's a frustrating hope to hold out for two hours.
The setting is a poverty stricken town in China that is in danger due to a chemical plant, a common problem in much of China, I am led to believe. There is little to no hope of emotional happiness and the desolation moves from the outside world, penetrating everyone's lives. They attempt to escape by gambling the mah jong and drinking while the 'other half' toin and attempt to get by day to day.
I left this film with a feeling of despair, but also saw the cautionary tale Liang was attempting to get across. A good film to see if you are into hopelessness. Or if you're a Lars Von Trier fan...I'd draw very loose comparisons to Breaking the Waves.