Liu Jiayin's debut "Niu Pi" aka "Oxhide" is an impressive exercise in minimum and low budget film-making. The young girl made this docu-drama completely on her own, writing, directing and starring in the film. Liu's real life parents and pet cat plays themselves in the film. Set in a tiny cramped apartment in Beijing. And the film is composed of 23 static interior shots. No, it's not a typo, it really only has 23 shots (the longest shot lasting nearly 20 minutes), and the camera never moves. Master filmmaker Tsai Ming-Liang being the clear influence here. Anyone familiar with Tsai's films would know that patience and an open-mind are vital to truly appreciate his films. The same applies to "Oxhide". I'm sorry to say, half the audience I saw this film with, did not have those things. The theatre became half full/empty before the half way point was even reached. What were they expecting? Did they not read the festival guide? It clearly states: "only 23 shots
110 minutes
tiny apartment", doesn't take a genius to work out this is not "The Fast and The Furious". Anyway, oh boy, did they miss out.
The film is a rich blend of life and fiction about the importance of family bond, it's a moving social commentary on the economic hardship faced by the lower-class Beijing families to get through each day. It's also a film that has been executed in exquisite style, whether it's the use of awkward framing creating a sense of claustrophobia in the tiny apartment or the magical use of natural lighting. Not to mention the fantastic acting by these non-professionals and the hilarious dialogue (unfortunately some of the humour will be lost in translation for the non-Mandarin speakers). Definitely not everyone's cup of tea, but for those open to something completely differently, this is a must watch. I was lucky enough to see at the local film festival, and I can only hope that this unknown little gem will get a DVD release in the near future.
