Haixian (2001) User Reviews

Typical far-east existentialism

[reini-2 · 6/10 · 22 October 2001]

This might be the typical far-east existentialism everybody knows and likes/dislikes. But this one is different. It is a chinese dissident film, secretly filmed with a small DVD camera, and you don't see any cheap camera pictures. Great landscape (china in snow), great colors, great light, just our two main heros try to commit suicide. First she, then him. The girl, a prostitute travels to the touristic seaside to bring her depressing life to end, the police officer tries to hinder her, but fails. The seafood doesn't sexualize any contacts, not as promised, and the film is boring most of the time. But of great alternative-touristical interest, so you'll sit through it.

This a very strong film that sticks with you...

[frentjones · 9/10 · 9 November 2006]

I had the good fortune to catch "Seafood" at Lincoln Center's Walter Reade Theater a couple/few years ago. I'd read about it in their monthly brochure and went to see it purely on a whim; not knowing the writer-directer nor any or the actors. I was not disappointed.

Seafood shares similarities to many recent films in the DV Neorealistic movement. That is, it's not a big, glossy production with sweeping crane shots, but rather a small, intimate story about a two-people: a prostitute who goes to a seaside resort (in off-season) to kill herself. And a rogue cop who tries to thwart her plans and insinuates himself in her life.

Along the way, the director provides us with a glimpse of modern China at its coldest and bleakest. The performances are perfect--especially the actor portraying the cop.

Its a shame that Seafood is not on DVD in the US. It's as worthy as any Asian film available now.