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Poster for Happy Times

Happy Times

An hilarious look at life and the pursuit of happiness!

2000 · 1h 42m · PG Comedy, Drama
Directed by Zhang Yimou

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Overview

Zhao is an old laid-off worker who's dreaming of getting married. After trying unsuccessful proposals, he finally pairs off with a gargantuan divorcée with two children. She, however, demands a lavish wedding and that Zhao finds a job and another place to stay for her blind step-daughter. Pretending he's the General Manager of a non-existent posh hotel "Happy Times", Zhao has to find ways and means of keeping both mother and stepdaughter happy.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
72%
Tomatometer
Fresh

A provocative, touching, surprising and obliquely illuminating piece.

Susan Stark, Detroit News
Fresh

Not a film to rival To Live, but a fine little amuse-bouche to keep your appetite whetted.

Janice Page, Boston Globe
Fresh

Metaphors abound, but it is easy to take this film at face value and enjoy its slightly humorous and tender story.

Marta Barber, Miami Herald
Rotten

The performances are winning all around. And the comic, slice-of-life feel is charming, but takes a hike as the film progresses.

Tom Sime, Dallas Morning News
Rotten

The film's maudlin focus on the young woman's infirmity and her naive dreams play like the worst kind of Hollywood heart-string plucking.

Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post

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