This latest from Zhang Yimou is a gem. It doesn't carry a philosophical weight of his other offerings, but the emotional content and carry of the film is true and beautifully conveyed. Zhang Ziyi, the girl from Ang Lee's 'Crouching Tiger...' is perfectly cast as a stubborn girl who will not give away even an inch to get her love. She plays the part of the narrator's mother to perfection, with equal measure of sweetness, whimsy, and fiery temperament.