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Poster for Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles

Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles

2005 · 1h 49m · PG Drama
Directed by Zhang Yimou , Yasuo Furuhata

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Overview

Takada, a Japanese fisherman has been estranged from his son for many years, but when the son is diagnosed with terminal cancer his daughter-in-law, Rie, summons him to the hospital. Through a series of obstacles and relationships, he is brought unexpectedly closer to both an understanding of himself and of his son.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
80%
Tomatometer
Fresh

The themes are universal (if a touch corny), the rugged Chinese scenery is stupendous, and the performances are touching.

Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Fresh

What remains most vividly after Riding Alone For Thousands of Miles, however, is not its story but its world--the immersion in that world of a foreigner, not a polo-shirted Yank but a stiff-necked Japanese. And it is all overseen by a Chinese director.

Stanley Kauffmann, The New Republic
Fresh

It sounds like a slight plot, and it is, but it is rich in detail that makes up for the simplicity of the story.

Richard Nilsen, Arizona Republic
Fresh

It's a masterful little film, and, thanks to Zhang's seasoned hands, it's subtly heartfelt but never manipulative.

Desson Thomson, Washington Post
Fresh

A father takes a spiritual journey from Japan to China to help mend a decades-long rift between himself and his dying son. The lessons learned en route are as profound as they are simple.

John Monaghan, Detroit Free Press

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