Is Criminal Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1999)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1999, Criminal represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Crime, Drama category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Cheng Er’s graduation film for Beijing Film Academy. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Crime, Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Cheng Er’s graduation film for Beijing Film Academy. Hu Tian, a photography shop owner, is in need of money for his mother’s treatment. One day, he found a suitcase full of money…"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The performance by Xu Zheng is nothing short of transformative, providing an emotional anchor that tethers the film's more abstract concepts to a relatable human experience. Xu Zheng captures the nuance of the script with a performance that will likely define their career for years to come.

The direction by Cheng Er is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 31 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Criminal truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Crime, Drama, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 7/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Criminal explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1999 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Cheng Er respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Criminal serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Xu Zheng or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Criminal is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.