Film Forum

Taiwan, 1991
Directed by Ang Lee
Written by Ang Lee, James Schamus
Starring Sihung Lung, Lai Wang, Bozhao Wang, Deb Snyder, Fanny De Luz
Approx. 105 min. DCP.

“The story describes a profound culture clash, this time involving a retired tai chi master, Mr. Chu (Sihung Lung, who also starred in THE WEDDING BANQUET and EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN), who moves from Beijing to America to live with his son. The film first finds him in a sterile New York suburb, coexisting with a daughter-in-law who is not of Asian extraction and has absolutely no use for this lovely old man.

While Martha (Deb Syder) works so hard at establishing herself as ‘a bold new voice in women's fiction’ that she gives herself stress-related stomach aches, Mr. Chu does his best to remain on a peaceful plane. The film concentrates on wry observations of why such tranquility is not possible in contemporary America, and in seeing this new world through old Mr. Chu's point of view. The title, a tai chi reference, is described as ‘a way of keeping your balance while unbalancing your opponent.’ As such, it aptly describes this teacher's new life.” – Janet Maslin, The New York Times
 

Reviews

“An unhurried and engaging domestic dramedy”
– Rita Kempley, The Washington Post

“It is a lovingly observed, nicely acted, human comedy with Lung emerging as the shrewd,
witty delight he is in all three Lee films.”
– Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

“The finale is worthy of Capra.”
– Ted Shen, Chicago Reader