The Road Home

G

Released Feb 15, 2000

1h 30m

Drama

List

89%

81 Reviews

Tomatometer

90%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

City businessman Luo Yusheng returns to his home village in North China for the funeral of his father, the village teacher. Before returning to the city, Yusheng symbolically honors his father's dearest wish: he spends one day teaching in the village school.

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Critics Consensus

Beautifully filmed, The Road Home is a simple touching and tender love story.

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Steven D. Greydanus

Decent Films

About love acutely desired in youth and fiercely remembered in old age… delicately simple and emotionally satisfying.

Rated: B+

Mar 2, 2004

Full Review

Colin Kennedy

Empire Magazine

Rated: 4/5

Apr 21, 2003

Full Review

Marrit Ingman

Austin Chronicle

Rated: 3.5/5

Mar 10, 2003

Full Review

Armond White

New York Press

Zhang, who proved his skill at visually evoking passion in Ju Dou, has the ability to enrich a generic melodrama.

Sep 5, 2023

Full Review

Greg Muskewitz

eFilmCritic.com

Rated: 4/5

Apr 4, 2011

Full Review

Kelly Vance

East Bay Express

In the spirit of the best nostalgic village pics, only one thing happens, and yet it turns out to mean everything to its characters.

May 4, 2010

Full Review

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Georgan G

One of the ultimate love stories. Very little dialogue as the looks between the 2 young people said it all. The thankfulness of the teacher's students at his death was very touching.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/31/23

Full Review

Peter W

Overall, if you're seeking a romantic journey of young love, The Road Home is one for you. Even when the outcomes are apparent, the journey of the main leads is filled with wonder and unpredictability. The highly creative and clever visuals successfully bring a setting and atmosphere to life that is highly captivating even when very little is occurring with the main story. Ultimately, it's impossible not to walk away from this film without feeling either inspired or uplifted. It truly is beautiful.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/29/23

Full Review

Johnny Z

Beautiful scenery and heart-rending story. Moved to tears repeatedly.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/01/23

Full Review

Alan G

Uplifting and very sweet. Lovely performance by Zhang Ziyi, she beautifully photographed along with the wonderful scenery. A simple story, related with no unnecessary noise to detract from its essence.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/07/21

Full Review

william d

A heartwarming story brilliantly directed by Zhang Yimou. The courtship "dance" the couple do before getting together will charm your socks off. Zhang Ziyi is a scary talented actress.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Deep and emotional, not my type of film but the message landed on me making it a beautiful experience.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

Full Review

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Yimou Zhang

Director

Zhang Ziyi

Zhao Di (Young)

Honglei Sun

Luo Yusheng

Yulian Zhao

Zhao Di (Old)

Bin Li

Grandmother

Guifa Chang

Mayor (Old)

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Synopsis

City businessman Luo Yusheng returns to his home village in North China for the funeral of his father, the village teacher. Before returning to the city, Yusheng symbolically honors his father's dearest wish: he spends one day teaching in the village school.

Director: Yimou Zhang
Producer: Weiping Zhang
Screenwriter: Shi Bao
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: Guangxi Film Studios, Columbia Pictures Film Production Asia
Rating: G
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Chinese
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 15, 2000, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 15, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.3M
Runtime: 1h 30m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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