‘Resurrection’ is a sumptuous, transporting dive into the pure pleasures of the image

by

A problem with some of today’s most celebrated directors – those who heavily borrow from classic films – is that they can lack a broad perspective, especially when it comes to real life. Despite their technical skill, their movies often feel empty, simply copying behaviors seen in other films instead of reflecting genuine human experience. They can master the form of filmmaking, but they struggle to capture the heart – that essential quality that makes a movie truly connect with audiences.

I have to say, Bi Gan’s latest film is really something special. What impresses me most is how he effortlessly blends artistry with technical skill. Like his previous films, ‘Kaili Blues’ and ‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night,’ this one is clearly made by someone who loves cinema. He’s not afraid to show it, using gorgeous, extended shots and playfully nodding to classic movie genres – and pulling it all off beautifully.

Despite his ambitious vision, the director never loses touch with the emotional core of his characters. His new film, “Resurrection,” is a remarkably layered work, and a clear tribute to the art of filmmaking itself. Ultimately, though, his priority is always connecting with the audience and telling human stories.

Movies

Whether you’re interested in potential Oscar winners like “Marty Supreme,” featuring Timothée Chalamet, or a fresh take on the classic “Anaconda,” the last few weeks of 2025 offer a diverse range of entertainment options.

“Resurrection,” which premiered at Cannes and won a special prize, presents a unique world where people have stopped dreaming to achieve immortality. However, one man, known only as a “deliriant” (played by Jackson Yee), chooses to embrace the messiness and emotions of being human. He flees into a strange, dreamlike realm depicted through a series of short films set in different eras of the 20th century. In these vignettes, he appears as various characters – for instance, as Qiu, a man accused of murder in a film noir, and as Apollo, a petty criminal on New Year’s Eve in 1999, who is drawn into a dangerous encounter with the alluring vampire, Tai Zhaomei (Li Gengxi).

Bi and his team love to experiment with different film styles and eras, and this project lets them play around with a lot of them. When we first see Yee’s character, he looks like a frightening creature inspired by the monster from the 1922 film “Nosferatu.” This section skillfully copies the striking visuals and dramatic lighting of the German Expressionist movement.

Bi aims for more than just visually stunning costumes; each installment delves into how films both heighten and reflect the full range of human emotions. Later, Yee’s character is reimagined as a reserved and cunning swindler who takes on a young girl (Guo Mucheng) as his accomplice. This touching episode recalls films like “Paper Moon,” but Bi delivers a uniquely poignant ending, drawing a connection between the make-believe world of cinema and the illusions we hold onto in our own lives.

Movies

For Subscribers

The 27 best movie theaters in Los Angeles

We’ve compiled a list of 27 fantastic movie theaters in Los Angeles, including iconic spots like the TCL Chinese and New Beverly, popular chains like Alamo Drafthouse, and the best AMC location in Burbank.

Like his other films, Bi ends “Resurrection” with a stunningly long, nearly 30-minute shot. This sequence follows Apollo and Tai Zhaomei on a wild New Year’s Eve journey filled with gangsters, karaoke, and unexpected violence. The camera moves quickly through the streets and buildings, showcasing Bi’s impressive filmmaking style. However, this isn’t just showmanship; it perfectly captures the exhilarating feeling of falling in love, mirroring the characters’ excitement. Even within this chaotic scene, the film explores deeply emotional themes, portraying the turn of the century as a pivotal, uncertain moment for the impulsive couple.

“Resurrection” takes place during a transformative time in China’s history, marking the end of the Qing Dynasty and the beginning of its rise as a major communist nation. This period also coincided with the growing popularity of film as a leading art form globally. Director Bi seems more fascinated by the evolution of cinema itself, and the film feels like a tribute to a medium that has, perhaps, lost some of its cultural impact. This sense of nostalgia subtly underlies the film’s playful mix of different genres.

It’s a common idea that watching movies is like dreaming, and for those who love film, it feels deeply true. Part of what makes life special is facing the fact that everything ends—including a movie. Director Andrew Semans throws his support behind the flawed characters in “Resurrection,” and the film ends with a powerful, moving conclusion that stands out as one of the most emotionally resonant pieces of cinema in recent years.

Despite fears that things would drastically change with the new millennium, the world kept spinning. Filmmaker Bi argues that truly great movies aren’t about flashy effects, but about stories that resonate with our own lives. “Resurrection” is a testament to Bi’s hopeful and imaginative spirit, and he warmly invites audiences to connect with his vision.

Read More

2025-12-13 03:01