Critic Reviews

Twenty years ago, Li's film might have served as a warning; today, it rues a dehumanizing economic system run rampant that leaves one sad slave wife to muse, "It's easy to die. It's living that's hard."

This is a resolutely tough-minded, beautifully crafted film so compelling as to make bearable watching the nearly unbearable.

A stinging and frightening indictment of mainland China.

Li’s story is lean and economical, but deeply harrowing, as Xuemei--sympathetically played by debuting performer Huang Lu, the only classically trained actor in a cast of non-professionals--clings to her courage and tries again and again to escape.

A potent drama from Yang Li, one of China's Sixth Generation filmmakers noted for the stark realism and documentary feeling of their work.

The film's economical style, vivid cinematography and tremendous acting should attract audiences far and wide.

Blind Mountain is a reminder that art sometimes keeps the truth alive far better than the news.

Blind Mountain would be better-served by more touches of universality, as in the scene where a neighbor woman comforts Huang by saying, "All women go through this." That scene flirts with metaphor. The rest of the film too often descends into harangue.

Low on drama and originality, and high on deja vu, sophomore outing by writer-director Li Yang ("Blind Shaft," 2003).

Blind Mountain forces its way through numerous illogicalities and several plot lapses to a violently abrupt ending.