Master director Jia ZhangKe has crafted an epic tale of three friends against the background of China’s economic growth.

Starting in Fenyang 1999, the film shows how two friends, Liangzi (Liang Jing Dong), a coal miner, and Zhang (Zhang Yi), owner of a gas station, are both in love with Tao (Zhao Tao).

The decision by Tao to choose one friend over another sets in motion events which impacts all of their lives in an unexpected manner by the time 2025 rolls around and the film shifts to Australia.

The three part structure of the film, Past (1999), Present (2014) and Future (2025), mirrors China’s economic situation and shows how technology and money directly impact the emotional bond between families and friends.

Stylistically, the film is a triumph as Jia ZhangKe and his long time cinematographer Yu Lik-Wai use three different aspect ratios and colour palettes to visually depict the three different sections.

Driven by a smart script and intelligent usage of Pet Shop Boys “Go West” song, MOUNTAINS MAY DEPART is a supreme work from one of world cinema’s master directors.