What made this movie particularly interesting to me was how, within the framework of a fast-moving and reasonably exciting story, it highlighted the deep differences between Chinese and "Western" cultures . I believe that Westerners in general, and Americans in particular , tend to gloss over these disparities in worldview, especially since the emergence of Deng's "capitalism with Chinese characteristics" has resulted in greater superficial similarity. In "The Bicycle Thief," to which this film is automatically compared, there is an overriding sense of right and wrong, of justice violated and restored, of "higher purpose" -- all consistent with Western philosophy, from ancient Greece to modern Christianity. In "Beijing Bicycle" contrariwise the persistent theme, overt and implied, is that of "joss," luck or fate. There is no implied necessity that misdeeds will be punished, that "good will triumph," or that there will be any closure to matters at all. Over and above being entertaining, I would recommend this movie as required viewing for those engaged in commerce and diplomacy with our Eastern brethren.
Review of Beijing Bicycle
