samyanari Review of Beijing Watermelon

Beijing Watermelon (1989)

A Japanese greengrocer's warm relationship with Chinese students

[8/10 · 23 February 2002]

Adapted from a true story. A greengrocer and his wife befriend and aid Chinese college students over a period of years. Neglect of their business results in a financial crisis which is resolved with the aid of the grateful students. Later, the couple are guests of the ex-students who are now in Beijing. Has humor and warmth. To achieve a natural setting, The director often has several people talking at the same time and often on different subjects. When Chinese is spoken, there are vertical titles, accompanying the English subtitles.