All the Way

For folks who have not traveled to China, this movie is an eye opener of sorts. That folks living in the townships of farming areas can face real economic hardships given its remoteness and few visitors. The many hotel touts chasing after the leads when they enter the town to stay over was telling, as is the number of abandoned low-storied buildings. That the old man artist stayed alone in a traditional house also highlights the plight of the old left behind. In such an isolated landscape, the place is ideal for criminals to hide in and operate (which forms part of the film's tale). Hence the need for law and order. It is inevitable that in the rush to riches and economic prosperity, scams happen and this tale is cautionary. The ending also suggest why a government needs to keep its people positive when going through tumultuous times. It can all too easily turn into anarchy. In getting things done and people having their way (pursuit of economic riches), people can be unreasonable. Perhaps the director is hinting at the unreasonable behavior of the Cultural Revolution. Certainly in times like these in China, it is no place for the meek and weak. But decency can and should prevail.