Pushing Hands
When widowed Mr. Chu, a tai-chi master, arrives from Beijing to live with his only son in an upscale New York suburb, it sets the stage for a warm comedy of manners. With a daughter-in-law who has no use for him and an ever-changing society, problems quickly arise. He's forced to call upon his tai-chi teachings and it's Pushing Hands, a traditional exercise, which imparts him the balance needed to survive in this poignant and comic tale.
Member Reviews
Father Knows Best...part one - chef_one
Pushing Hands is both Ang Lee's first feature film and his first installment to the 'Father Knows Best" Trilogy (follows 'The Wedding Banquet and 'Eat, Drink, Man, Woman) Old Chu 'played by Sihung Lung in all three films is a Tai Chi master, recently emigrated to the U.S. As he tries to find his place in his new surroundings, it's made difficult by his yuppie American daughter-in-law. His Son is left to fend for himself as he's caught in the middle of a domestic old/young/east/west culture clash.
Ang Lee would go on to direct greater films, but 'Pushing Hands' is by no means a bad start.
A little dated with some weak acting, but has some terrific scenes.Good debut, but better to come - Ralston_McTodd
Ang Lee's debut film shows much of the thematic density common to his later films. What it lacks is the technical brilliance he demonstrates later. If you're expecting the cinematic mastery of his later work, you'll find this film disappointing; but if you're interested in a complex and truthful narrative, this film's for you.
Member Reviews
Read All...
Father Knows Best...part one - chef_one
Pushing Hands is both Ang Lee's first feature film and his first installment to the 'Father Knows Best" Trilogy (follows 'The Wedding Banquet and 'Eat, Drink, Man, Woman) Old Chu 'played by Sihung Lung in all three films is a Tai Chi master, recently emigrated ...Good debut, but better to come - Ralston_McTodd
Ang Lee's debut film shows much of the thematic density common to his later films. What it lacks is the technical brilliance he demonstrates later. If you're expecting the cinematic mastery of his later work, you'll find this film disappointing; but if you're ...