(1997)
2
Buzz McClain
You have to admire the efforts of the filmmakers -- not to mention the bravery -- in completing this deeply flawed film. There is a satisfying twist at the end that makes surviving the relentlessly melodramatic angst until then nearly worthwhile, but just barely. There are a few bursts of interesting action, and the staged performance pieces are intriguing, but they do not add up to a film that can be easily recommended. The draw for this film will be the director's story: Wang Xiaoshuai smuggled his government-banned independent film out of China and finished it under the name Wu Ming ("No Name") in Amsterdam. His conviction to finish the film and the doomed Qi Lei's (Jia Hongshen) determination to express himself through death communicate heady messages that politically motivated leftist-leaning art students may enjoy discussing in campus coffee houses. But mainstream audiences, and even those who appreciate art house films, will find it tedious going.
releases for Frozen on AllMovie
Frozen (1997)
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Title/Studio |
Release Date |
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Frozen
Fox Lorber
More
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February 22, 2000 |
