The Road Home (2000)

Sony discovered this movie after the enormous success of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Directed by Zhang Yimou who made fantastic movies, but often was in trouble with the Chinese government over them; this one although shipped with the movie "Not One Less" somehow went missing on its way to Cannes to be premiered to the world. Although it went on to win awards, it largely became unknown until Sony found it; and was a terrific movie it is. Zhang Ziyi even today says it is her favorite movie as she knew nothing about acting and just used what came to her. The image of her pulling back what looks like a curtain .. that curtain if you look is in black and white; and is symbolic of either death or recalling the past. The general plot is a son who left the small village years ago to become successful in the big city; has returned to the village to arrange his father's funeral arrangements. He also is concerned about his mother who wants an traditional (but hard to arrange) funeral -- and the movie shifts to the son going through his father's office and finding a photo that cues his retelling of how his parents met. The movie starts in black and white but take note of the credits which are in colour - it is NOT a black and white film really. So be patient and you will be rewarded with a beautiful story, images, and music.

One of the best movies ever made.

Fantastic film.