A provocative, touching, surprising and obliquely illuminating piece.

Zhang Yimou delivers warm, genuine characters who lie not through dishonesty, but because they genuinely believe it's the only way to bring happiness to their loved ones.

Not a film to rival To Live, but a fine little amuse-bouche to keep your appetite whetted.

Happy Times has attractive qualities. As always, Zhang has presided over a carefully and beautifully crafted production. Pictorial clarity and accuracy are his watchwords.