Ermo (1994)

It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

Appealing to one of the most basic themes of human nature-- the grass is always greener.... Ermo struggles to regain her family's lost prestige in a remote mountain village and win back her son's straying attention and allegiance(?) by winning the battle of keeping up (and beating) the Jones's-- Chinese style.What could have been a very heavy handed commentary on the perils of capitalist greed turns out of be a extremely charming comic satire instead. Clearly, one of the most overlooked and underrated Chinese films of its time! There's still a morality tale here but it's a genuinely delightful one replete with an endearing heroine, a whiny husband, and the delightfully wicked neighbor-lady-next door. There aren't many films that can serve up a palatable cautionary tale with a side of noodles to boot-- but this one certainly does. This film is definitely a must for Chinese film fans.

Ermo makes and sells twisted noodles to feed her husband and her child. When her neighbour buys a TV and is the talk of the village Ermo sets out to buy the biggest TV in the town to outdo her. She works overnights, she gives blood etc in an effort to save the necessary money.This is essentially a satire on commercialism and greed - i.e. the onset of Western culture on the East. This shows Ermo working herself to exhaustion trying to get this TV, the TV being the model of happiness and height of aspiration. During the film we see her suffer while chasing this dream and she finds herself doing things that affect her and her family detrimentally.As a film this is very slight. It doesn't have an amazing plot but it is interesting and quite funny in places, but it really operates best as a message rather than a film. It is a clear swipe at the values of the West and their effect on the Eastern culture, with a downbeat conclusion. The performances are good, Ermo carries the whole film well and her husband is totally believable. Blindman is a key character and his wife provides some laughs.Overall this is more of a message than a film, but it is quite entertaining without shouting it's message at you

Although the story is simple, without gorgeous people and spectacular scenery, this film nevertheless captivated my wife and I with insights into daily life of villagers in northern China. In particular, we were amazed at the way in which Ermo kneads dough and presses it out for her 'twisty noodles'.There is a clear message about the foibles of getting caught up in consumerism, but it does not have an anti-capitalist communist slant which would corrode the film's honest style.If you enjoy seeing art house films, or like viewing other cultures, then try this film. The acting is solid and some humourous parts lighten the rather harsh life. Without the usual formula of sex, violence and car chases, this is a refreshing and very real film.

I haven't seen many movies from Hong Kong and/or China, but this light? drama seems to "fit in". The story revolves a strong, stubborn, hardworking simple woman from a village, with an impotent husband (physically or mentally, the first one here). Same as in Qui Ju da guan si (The Story of Qui Ju), Huozhe (Living/Lifetimes), Wian hun nu (Woman Sesame Oil Maker): all have stories and leading actresses completely perfect.Amazing story, gentle, at life's pace- but still without tiring repetition. Wonderful first half, the second doesn't lack great moments either. Highly recommended.