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Plot Summary
BEIJING TAXI is a timely, uncensored and richly cinematic portrait of China's ancient capital as it undergoes a profound transformation. The film takes an intimate and compelling look at the lives of three cab drivers as they confront modern issues and changing values against the backdrop of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Through their daily struggles infused with humor and quiet determination, BEIJING TAXI reveals the complexity and contradictions of China's shifting paradigm.
Rotten Tomatoes Movie Reviews
TOMATOMETER
80%- Reviews Counted: 5
- Fresh: 4
- Rotten: 1
- Average Rating: 7.1/10
Top Critics' Reviews
Fresh: An attractive and seamless set of images of working-class Chinese life.
Fresh: Throughout, the drivers are framed against the various cityscapes they traverse, though their philosophical views on what is unfolding around them differs with age and temperament.
Rotten: Wang's letter from Beijing feels too breezy and light on fresh insight.
Fresh: Although the film can feel a little emotionless, director Miao Wang has an emblematic metaphor in her hands.
Customer Reviews
An interesting portrait of cab drivers in Beijing
An interesting portrait of cab drivers in Beijing…it follows them around, but lacks specific details (like how much they make, how much it costs to drive a cab), so the issues they face seem pretty abstract, and you are left wishing you learned more.
Enormous Change
I enjoyed seeing the "authentic" China, the streets the alleyways, the noodle shops. It may be the closest I will ever get to seeing everyday Chinese life. The film also shows some interesting aspects to the change that China is going through, from pure Communism to a regulated capitalist society. One of the most distressing aspects of the vast changes in China and especially Beijing in preparation for the Olympics, is the utter destruction of "old town" Beijing. I think it is one of the poorest decisions that was made. It is as if they went in a destroyed the heart of the country. It is an interesting and informative film. I would watch it again. The street scenes are compelling, colorful, surprising, vivid. The genuine nature and innocence of the taxi drivers is remarkable.
AWESOME
This is by far one of my favorite documentaries. It goes much deeper than just taxis in Beijing, it reveals more about Chinese culture, society, and daily life. I grew up in Beijing and this film really brought back memories. Every second of it is very interesting. The music in it is GREAT too!
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