Watch Black Coal, Thin Ice

Black Coal, Thin Ice is a Chinese neo-noir thriller that takes place in a small industrial city called Heilongjiang. Directed by Diao Yinan, the movie tells the story of a former detective named Zhang Zili (played by Fan Liao) who is now an alcoholic security guard. The movie starts in the year 1999, when Zhang and his partner, Wang (played by Xuebing Wang), are investigating a series of gruesome murders. The victims are all dismembered and scattered across the city in coal trucks. The only clues left behind are small pieces of coal and cigarette butts.

Fast forward to five years later, and the case is still unsolved. Zhang is now an alcoholic and divorced from his wife. However, when two more murders occur using the same modus operandi, Zhang decides to take matters into his own hands and re-open the case. His investigation leads him to a dry cleaning shop, where he meets the enigmatic and alluring owner, Wu Zhizhen (played by Gwei Lun-Mei). Zhang soon becomes obsessed with Wu, and as he digs deeper into the case and her life, he discovers that nothing is as it seems.

The film is masterfully shot, with a muted color palette that reflects the chilly, barren landscape of Heilongjiang. The cinematography is at its best during the suspenseful, fast-paced action sequences that are interspersed throughout the movie. The music, too, plays a critical role in building tension, and the haunting notes of the erhu (a traditional Chinese instrument) add a layer of melancholy to the film.

But what makes Black Coal, Thin Ice truly exceptional is its characters. Fan Liao is outstanding in his portrayal of Zhang Zili, a man haunted by his failures and consumed by his obsessions. His performance is both subtle and powerful, and he manages to convey a great deal of emotion with just a look or a gesture. Gwei Lun-Mei is equally impressive as Wu Zhizhen, the femme fatale who exudes a dangerous mystique.

What sets this movie apart from other neo-noirs is its exploration of human relationships. Zhang's and Wu's interactions are fraught with tension, desire, and suspicion, and their story plays out like a twisted version of a love story. Meanwhile, the murder victims are not merely props in the movie; they are complex individuals with their own lives and motivations. Black Coal, Thin Ice examines the ways in which human beings can be both cruel and compassionate, and how love and loss can shape our actions.

In addition to its strong characters, the movie also has a strong social critique. Heilongjiang is a city in decline, with factories shutting down and workers losing their jobs. The coal trucks that feature prominently in the murders are a metaphor for the way in which the city's economy has collapsed. The film also touches upon issues of corruption and police brutality, highlighting the ways in which power can be abused.

Overall, Black Coal, Thin Ice is a thought-provoking and entertaining movie that blends elements of film noir, suspense, and drama. With stunning visuals, exceptional performances, and a gripping storyline, it is a must-watch for anyone who loves thrillers or crime dramas.

Black Coal, Thin Ice is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 70.