An enterprising Englander brings motion pictures to turn-of-the-century China (yes, the audience scatters at the sight of Lumière's oncoming train), opening the gates to traditional Eastern themes of Old vs. New, Commoner vs. Noble. Ann Hu's tribute to the pioneers is sweet, simple, even simple-minded, and ever so slow. Her simulations of primitive film can't match the charm, the beauty, the tone, the texture of the authentic clips. With Jared Harris, Xia Yu, Xing Yufei. (2001) — Duncan Shepherd
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