Ash Is Purest White

Ash Is Purest White, a remarkable movie directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jia Zhangke, is set against the complex socioeconomic changes of contemporary China. This 2018 epic romantic crime drama stars the talented Tao Zhao as Qiao, Fan Liao as Li Bin, and Zheng Xu as Brother Six.

As we delve into the film, we find ourselves anchored in the character of Qiao, a woman of marked resilience and purpose, played with an astounding combination of strength and subtlety by Tao Zhao, who happens to be director Zhangke’s wife and recurring collaborator. Qiao emerges as an emblem of silent strength, her destiny intertwined with the ceaseless evolution of China, from sleepy coal-mining towns to bustling cityscapes seething with opportunity and conflict.

Fan Liao plays Li Bin, a feared gangster who serves as the unspoken king of the jianghu underworld, and who is also Qiao's lover. Bin's inherent charisma and swagger mask a latent vulnerability, a testament to his character's depth. Fan Liao breathes life into this character with a masterful performance, displaying a wide spectrum of emotions which ranges from cold-hearted detachment to raw, genuine passion.

Zheng Xu as Brother Six adds another important dimension to the narrative and infuses it with tension. The relationships between these three characters form an intricate dynamic, caught in a theatric dance where love, duty, and personal ambition intertwine with distinct moments of intense violence that punctuates the otherwise slow-paced narrative.

As the title suggests, Ash Is Purest White is a story of survival and change, both on a personal and wider societal level. It comprehensively maps a seismic shift in China’s industrial landscape, colliding old and new, tradition and modernity. Much of this is witnessed through Qiao's eyes, who herself undergoes a profound transformation across the span of the film.

The movie starts in 2001, in the grimy, coal-dusted town of Datong. Director Jia deftly showcases his talent for highlighting the grit, texture and character of his chosen locations. The use of site-specific detail, such as the coal mines of Shanxi province, becomes a key thread in the film's overall narrative.

While the film can be touted as a love story at its core, the romance is far from traditional. Qiao and Bin’s relationship often teeters between mutual dependence and estrangement, echoing the uncertainties of the world around them. Throughout her ordeal, Qiao remains fiercely loyal, her endurance under exhausting circumstances serving as a metaphor for the relentlessness of her nation as it barges forward into a future teeming with possibilities yet fraught with growing pains.

Ash Is Purest White makes use of exceptional cinematography to complement its substantial themes. Establishing well-shot scenic vistas contrasted against dilapidated buildings and bustling cityscapes, the picturesque scenes transport you entirely into the complex world created by director Zhangke. The stunning original score by Giong Lim adds another layer of depth, enhancing each poignant scene with its eclectic mix of traditional Chinese elements and modern electronic sounds.

What sets Ash Is Purest White apart is its tonal richness, punctuated by moments of surprising humor that provide relief to the heavy-hearted drama. Director Jia balances the narrative’s sadness with an effortless charm, reflecting the innate resilience of his characters, and ultimately, their humanity.

The film's exploration of cultural transition, romantic bond and personal transformation results in an intriguing larger than life saga. The actors breathe life into their roles, painting a vibrant, emotionally stirring portrait of people moving forward and coping with change in unwavering, profound ways.

Ash is Purest White isn't just a movie about love or about China - it's a movie about life, about the imperfections that define us, about the unwavering courage to carry on when confronted with disillusionment, and about discovering resilience in the ashes of our own predicaments. Zhangke’s film is a must-see for lovers of thoughtful cinema, offering a deeply nuanced, introspective look at human life set against the vivid canvas of modern Chinese society.