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A Thousand Years of Good Prayers

Play trailer Poster for A Thousand Years of Good Prayers 2008 1h 23m Drama Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
79% Tomatometer 39 Reviews 55% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
In the wake of his wife's death, Shi (Henry O) leaves his native China to find his estranged daughter, Yilan (Faye Yu), in the United States. There, Shi befriends Madam (Vida Ghahremani), an Arab-American mother who can relate to his feelings of isolation and culture shock. After having an awkward reunion with Yilan, Shi realizes just how far apart they've grown from each other. And though he can barely speak English, Shi decides to stay permanently, hoping to mend their broken relationship.
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A Thousand Years of Good Prayers

A Thousand Years of Good Prayers

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Critics Consensus

Though it may not be as profound as its pacing would suggest, A Thousand Years of Good Prayers delicately examines familial issues in an earnest fashion.

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Critics Reviews

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Leo Goldsmith IndieWire Wang's new film suggests not only a return to form but also the revival of an old theme from his early Asian-American dramedies: the different ways that certain generations translate and adapt their cultural heritage Aug 8, 2009 Full Review Joshua Katzman Chicago Reader As in most of Wang's films, a memorable cast of characters compensates for a serviceable plot. Dec 16, 2008 Full Review Carrie Rickey Philadelphia Inquirer A keenly observed portrait of a parent and child estranged by geography, language, ideology and generation. In other words, a universal story of family in the age of globalization. Rated: 3/4 Nov 20, 2008 Full Review Carlos Marañón Cinemanía (Spain) Wayne Wang's first vital film since Smoke and Blue in the Face. [Full review in Spanish] Rated: 4/5 Nov 6, 2020 Full Review David Lamble Bay Area Reporter A clash of civilizations plays comic havoc with a generation gap. Jun 2, 2020 Full Review Enrique Buchichio Uruguay Total Quizás el film más personal de Wayne Wang, un sobrio y cálido relato sobre las barreras culturales, idiomáticas o emocionales que suelen separar a los seres humanos. Rated: 3/5 Jan 21, 2010 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Gaylord R What a beautiful, shining gem this film is! A tender personal story woven into larger historical issues one needs at least another 3000 prayers to find something even remotely touching and blessing. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/23/23 Full Review Audience Member Be aware, it's primarily subtitled. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Audience Member Wayne Wang's hands-on subject about cultural conflicts between East & West. Sounds so out-of-date stereotype however. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review Audience Member Una pelicula maravillosa Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Audience Member moving and beautiful Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/15/23 Full Review Audience Member Soy un cultureta, veo pelis independientes chino-estadounidenses Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews
A Thousand Years of Good Prayers

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Cast & Crew

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Wayne Wang

Director

Henry O

Mr. Shi

Yu Feihong

Yilan

Vida Ghahremani

Madame

Pasha D. Lychnikoff

Boris

Megan Albertus

Forensics Girl

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A Thousand Years of Good Prayers

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Movie Info

Synopsis In the wake of his wife's death, Shi (Henry O) leaves his native China to find his estranged daughter, Yilan (Faye Yu), in the United States. There, Shi befriends Madam (Vida Ghahremani), an Arab-American mother who can relate to his feelings of isolation and culture shock. After having an awkward reunion with Yilan, Shi realizes just how far apart they've grown from each other. And though he can barely speak English, Shi decides to stay permanently, hoping to mend their broken relationship.
Director
Wayne Wang
Producer
Yukie Kito, Rich Cowan, Wayne Wang
Screenwriter
Yiyun Lee
Distributor
Magnolia Pictures
Production Co
North by Northwest Entertainment, Entertainment Farm (EF), Boram Entertainment
Genre
Drama, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 19, 2008, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 27, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA)
$76.1K
Runtime
1h 23m
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