Watch Ash Is Purest White

Ash Is Purest White is a 2018 Chinese drama film directed by Jia Zhangke, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The film stars Tao Zhao, Fan Liao and Zheng Xu in pivotal roles. Set in the years 2001 and 2017, the film chronicles the life of a woman named Qiao, played by Tao Zhao, who is the girlfriend of a gangster named Bin, played by Fan Liao. Qiao is a strong-willed, independent woman who is fiercely loyal to Bin, although he is often absent. She is also respected by the other members of Bin's gang.

The film begins with a scene where Qiao and Bin are attending a local festival in their hometown of Datong, Shanxi province. A fight breaks out and Bin is attacked by a rival gang. In a bid to protect her boyfriend, Qiao fires a gun in the air to scare off the attackers. However, the police arrive and Qiao takes the blame, resulting in a five-year prison sentence.

After her release, Qiao learns that Bin has moved on and is now involved with another woman. This realization causes her to reflect on her own life and her place in a rapidly changing society. She embarks on a journey to find Bin, hoping to rekindle their relationship.

Along the way, Qiao meets a man named Bin Bin, played by Zheng Xu, who offers her a ride to a new city where she can search for Bin. Bin Bin is a kind, honest man who helps Qiao in various ways, but she remains focused on finding her ex-boyfriend.

Throughout the film, Qiao's search for Bin is contrasted with the changing landscape of China. The film serves as a commentary on the impact of modernization and globalization on people's lives, highlighting the challenges faced by those who are unwilling or unable to adjust to the changing times.

The performances by the actors are remarkable, especially that of Tao Zhao, who delivers a stellar performance as Qiao. Her portrayal of a woman who is not afraid to take risks and fight for what she believes is right is truly inspiring.

The cinematography is also noteworthy, with the film showcasing the beauty of the Chinese landscape and urban settings. The film's use of color, lighting and framing is exquisite, lending a dreamlike quality to the narrative.

Overall, Ash Is Purest White is a compelling drama that offers a unique perspective on China's modernization. It is a poignant reminder that amidst the rapid changes taking place in our world, the most important things in life remain the same - love, loyalty and self-discovery.

Ash Is Purest White is a 2019 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 85.