The title promises much, but the film remains maddeningly elusive. Despite a pace that allows one to ponder the significance of every shot or exchange in dialogue, most of the scenes go nowhere, idly picking at themes of disconnection in the modern age of technology that is supposed to make the world a smaller place. If there's a grand summation being made by the frankly bizarre ending, I'm missing it.

What keeps this film from being perfect is its length. As a postmodern look at contemporary China, it uses a juxtaposition of fantasy (the "monuments", dance sequences, and modernization itself) with characters' behind-the-scenes broils (culminating in tragedy).

Couldn't stay with it. Score based on partial viewing.

Hard to follow. I ended up reading a synopsis after watching it just to clarify a few things. It's an okay story, I was hoping it would say more but maybe I just needed to be in touch with modern Chinese society more.

I love Zhang Ke Jia, but I must say this was difficult to get through. Gains more through retrospection.

"This place is less crossroads of the world than land of confusion." - Ed Gonzalez

I think I get it. It has great moments and pathos, but is somewhere between Indie films and Art films, with all the turn-offs of both.

While it's technically interesting and quite gorgeous, asking your audience to stay with one dimensional characters for two-and-a-half hours is a risk that doesn't pay off in this film.

A confused jumble of stuff. The worst part is that all this is done at the expense of an interesting plot or strong characters. Not entirely without merit, but too messy to recommend.

Incredible photography. A slow but fascinating portrait of a rapidly modernizing China that evokes the mood of bewilderment I imagine many people feel toward it. Full of subtle and not-so-subtle statements about the value of money, technology and alienation, uneven modernization, and the shallowness of modern life.

It was just way too long and the park actually is in Shenzhen and not in Beijing!

I don't think I made it through this. I'll give it another go if it comes on.