Ermo

A wonderful film.

Ermo ("Second Girl")--a woman not even given a proper name--never wavers from her quest. Her singleminded pursuit is both heartening--as we come see her drive and self-discipline; and heartbreaking--as she, and we, see it for the empty goal it is.

For Westerner's, who rarely see China beyond Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and more rarely Xian and Kuilin, this film gives a rare insight into the life of the countryside. "Socialism with Chinese characteristics" is creating ever more women and men like Ermo.

I haven't seen many movies from Hong Kong and/or China, but this light? drama seems to "fit in". The story revolves a strong, stubborn, hardworking simple woman from a village, with an impotent husband (physically or mentally, the first one here). Same as in Qui Ju da guan si (The Story of Qui Ju), Huozhe (Living/Lifetimes), Wian hun nu (Woman Sesame Oil Maker): all have stories and leading actresses completely perfect.

Amazing story, gentle, at life's pace- but still without tiring repetition. Wonderful first half, the second doesn't lack great moments either. Highly recommended.

Although the story is simple, without gorgeous people and spectacular scenery, this film nevertheless captivated my wife and I with insights into daily life of villagers in northern China. In particular, we were amazed at the way in which Ermo kneads dough and presses it out for her 'twisty noodles'.

There is a clear message about the foibles of getting caught up in consumerism, but it does not have an anti-capitalist communist slant which would corrode the film's honest style.

If you enjoy seeing art house films, or like viewing other cultures, then try this film. The acting is solid and some humourous parts lighten the rather harsh life. Without the usual formula of sex, violence and car chases, this is a refreshing and very real film.

ERMO

Aspect ratio: 1.85:1

Sound format: Mono

Warm, amusing comedy-drama set in northern China where the proud, stubborn Ermo (Alia) works her fingers to the bone selling home-made noodles in order to trounce her snobby neighbors by saving enough money to purchase the biggest TV in the district. Despite this slender framework, the film is rich in characterisation and incident, such as Alia's budding romance with a married man (Liu Peiqi), a narrative thread which is alternately funny and poignant, and genuinely affecting. The acting is restrained and believable, and director Zhou Xiaowen frames and edits every scene to perfection. It's a bit too laidback to really jump off the screen, and its pleasures are minor, but you simply can't fault the craftsmanship on display.

(Mandarin dialogue)

Ermo makes and sells twisted noodles to feed her husband and her child. When her neighbour buys a TV and is the talk of the village Ermo sets out to buy the biggest TV in the town to outdo her. She works overnights, she gives blood etc in an effort to save the necessary money.

This is essentially a satire on commercialism and greed - i.e. the onset of Western culture on the East. This shows Ermo working herself to exhaustion trying to get this TV, the TV being the model of happiness and height of aspiration. During the film we see her suffer while chasing this dream and she finds herself doing things that affect her and her family detrimentally.

As a film this is very slight. It doesn't have an amazing plot but it is interesting and quite funny in places, but it really operates best as a message rather than a film. It is a clear swipe at the values of the West and their effect on the Eastern culture, with a downbeat conclusion. The performances are good, Ermo carries the whole film well and her husband is totally believable. Blindman is a key character and his wife provides some laughs.

Overall this is more of a message than a film, but it is quite entertaining without shouting it's message at you