An acrylic painting on wood panel, titled 'Beijing Bicycle', of a young woman sitting on the ground with her legs out wearing a red qipao dress. She is holding an expensive bottle of wine and an active roman candle, all while a dozen bicycles float overhead.

Beijing Bicycle

(2001, Wang Xiaoshuai)

I think I first watched this film about 13 years ago when it first released on DVD and recently I watched the censored version available in China. When I first saw this movie I was young and had no clue about any of the people involved. I was blown away by how gritty and captivating the narrative was. Now, older and more knowledgeable, I recognize the big name actors involved, like Zhou Xun, and I can pick up on the subtle criticism the director had for the growing materialism in China. It’s almost surprising that the movie was made at all.


A close-up screenshot of a young woman and man with their eyes closed enjoying the smell of trees. From the film 'Beijing Bicycle'. An animated gif of a scene from the movie 'Beijing Bicycle' of a young man excitedly peddling his bicycle in traffic. A close-up screenshot from the movie 'Beijing Bicycle' of a young woman with red lipstick in a red qipao dress shifting her eyes off camera to the left.

© 2001 - Sony Pictures Classics