Talky, formal and slow, but also engagingly eccentric, this is a film that's hard to place – although its feisty, indefatigably vengeful protagonist and theatrical style create unexpected resonances with Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill epics.
Fan Bingbing is on fine form as an obstinate divorcee-to-be in a singular film that is ultimately worth the effort it requires.
Sometimes it’s a little slow but the ending is worth the build-up.
The film offers a sly assault on the bureaucracy and hypocrisy of a China where protecting your status is more important than anything.
An overlong Kafkaesque comedy drama about a woman’s bid to save her reputation runs out of steam.
General release. Check local listings for show times.