Rent Shower (1999)
3.8 of 5 from 65 ratings
1h 29min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
- Wallow in a bracing, comic and uplifting portrait of modern China. Shower is the critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning film from the director of Spicy Love Soup. Master Liu's bathhouse in the heart of modern Beijing is a haven. A community gathers to dream up get-rich-quick schemes, gamble on fighting crickets, escape furious wives. Only Liu's elder son Da Ming, seeking his fortune in the bustle of the city, does not share their love for the old customs. But as his flying visit turns into something longer, he realises that tradition and family are not so easily left behind...
- Actors:
- Jiayi Du, Bing He, Wu Jiang, Ding Li, Cunxin Pu, Xu Zhu
- Directors:
- Yang Zhang
- Producers:
- Peter Loehr
- Writers:
- Shangjun Cai, Yi'nan Diao, Xin Huo, Fendou Liu, Yang Zhang
- Aka:
- Xizao
- Studio:
- Momentum Pictures
- Genres:
- Comedy
- Collections:
- Top 10 Films of 1999
- Countries:
- China
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Reviews (3) of Shower
Shower of praise - Shower review by CP Customer
A very sweet, heartwarming story that contrasts the old and new China perfectly. Although the plot and story are somewhat obvious, you can't help but be taken in by the various characters. perfect Sunday evening viewing
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.
Poignant And Moving - Shower review by CP Customer
Da Ming is a modern businessman who returns to his childhood home following a long absence after receiving a postcard from his mentally handicapped brother Er Ming, which makes him believe that their father is ill or has even died. Though on arrival he soon finds out his father is very much alive and still running his old business, the local public bathhouse. The film explores the three-way relationship between Da Ming, his brother and his father, and how he discovers the importance of his father's job, and for the local community how the bathhouse is a central part of their social lives. It's a beautiful film which conveys a real sense of family and community, and also illustrates a China obsessed with pushing through modernisation at the cost of established core values and many time honoured traditions. Shower is also a superb example of how powerful and captivating simple quality film making can be. There are no flashy effects, no grandiose performances, just a gentle story, naturally told with understated and effective acting. If you're a fan of foreign film then 'Shower' is an absolute must see.
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.
Simple and charming - Shower review by JD
Based in a poor area of China where the bath house is a central part of daily life for a number of the community. This is a beautiful reflection of life values. It is impossible not to reassess one's own priorities during this touchingly gentle film.
0 out of 1 members found this review helpful.