Qiao (the outstanding Zhao Tao) and her gangster boyfriend Bin (Liao Fan) are a formidable duo who oversee the local criminal network in Datong. When a fight with a rival gang places Bin in danger, Qiao fires a gun to protect him, resulting in five years of prison time. After she is released, Qiao goes to look for Bin hoping to continue their relationship.

Master director Jia Zhang-ke’s latest offering is riveting, balancing tender emotions with violence and humour. Similar to his last film MOUNTAINS MAY DEPART (shown in Calgary Film 2015), ASH IS PUREST WHITE uses a three part structure, set in 2001, 2006 and 2018, filmed in a different format and aspect ratio. The end result is a perceptive depiction of the Chinese landscape, both social and economical, over the course of two decades.

Written by Sachin Gandhi

Cannes

TIFF

NYFF

VIFF