Watch The Village of No Return

The Village of No Return is a film from 2017 that combines comedy, action, and romance with elements of Chinese mythology, set in a fictional small town called Puli in Taiwan during the 1900s. The movie brings together an impressive ensemble of actors and actresses including, Shu Qi, Qianyuan Wang, and Hsiao-chuan Chang, among others.

The story begins with the arrival of a mysterious monk named Wang (Qianyuan Wang), who has the power to erase people's memories. He visits Puli, a remote village that is known for being a peaceful and idyllic place that has not experienced any wars or conflicts in over 100 years. But, things start to change when some of the villagers begin to remember unpleasant memories, leading to chaos and disorder in the community.

As the story unfolds, the audience learns that there is a deeper reason behind the monk's visit. He has come to Puli to take revenge on the town mayor who caused the death of his sister. However, the monk's plan is complicated by the fact that he begins to fall in love with the mayor's daughter, Xiao Qi (Shu Qi).

The movie depicts the villagers as quirky and peculiar people, each with their own unique personality and backstory. The ensemble cast is superb at showing different aspects of the village's residents and brings comic relief to the movie. The movie’s storytelling is lighthearted and scattered, covering different genres of comedy in different scenes. This unique approach makes for an entertaining movie experience.

One of the film's most memorable characters is Er Wa (Hsiao-chuan Chang), an eccentric village resident who earns his living by driving tourists around on his rickshaw. Er Wa and Wang become unlikely friends and start to team up to take on the town mayor and his cronies. Their chemistry is excellent as they face various obstacles and enemies, bringing many comedic moments.

In addition to the comedy, the movie also incorporates elements of action and suspense. The final scenes are packed with both action and emotion, leading up to a dramatic conclusion that ties up all the loose ends. Despite the multi-genre approach, the movie is well-balanced and each element plays a crucial part in the story.

The movie’s cinematography is another highlight. The village is portrayed as a stunning, breathtaking place with a lush green landscape, trickling streams, and inviting waterfalls. The gorgeously-shot scenes are in contrast to the chaos and whimsicality that ensues in the village. The film’s natural beauty transfers through the screen, transporting viewers to the location’s beauty.

Overall, The Village of No Return is a delightful movie that will appeal to viewers seeking a film that showcases Chinese culture and mythology while infusing action, romance, and most importantly, comedy. The film’s ensemble cast, picturesque cinematography, and multi-genre approach are just a few reasons why this movie is worth watching. It’s a movie that will make you laugh out loud while leaving you with a warm, fuzzy feeling.

The Village of No Return is a 2017 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.