...the film flows with such urgency that all its connections seem logical. And it is filmed with such visual splendor that possible objections are swept aside.

...one of the year's true masterpieces.

With stunning set pieces and the dramatic backdrop of the revolution, Kaige captures perfectly the relationship between the two boys.

The movie takes the shape of a three-way love story which includes jealousy, betrayal, miscarriage, drug addiction, loyalty and suicide.