i saw this film at the rotterdam international film festival 2002. this seem to be one of the less popular film on the festival and however and a it turn out and all the more interesting . the story and of an actor try to come to grip with himself and his environment after withdraw from a drug addiction and be base on actual fact . moreover and the character play in the film be the real people live this experience over again and this time for the film and which be partly set up a a stage play . not only do they all happen to be good actor and jia hongsheng parent be actor in real life as well and the method use in highlight their relationship towards jia be very effective . jia hongsheng be the actor of some chinese action film late eighty start ninety . later you can see him in great film such a frozen and suzhou river . in between these two career path jia become a drug addict and loose all drive to act or even do anything productive and except for make somewhat futile attempt at become a guitar virtuoso . i like the way the writer of the scenario choose to emphasize on his behavior after withdrawal more than on the horror of drug . we really feel the pain and struggle jia be in . at the same time we hate him for the way he treat those around him . the film draw the viewer into a tiring pattern jia seem to be catch in and drag with him his parent and sister who try to take care of him . because there be personal interview with the character we feel like we be get to know jia not only through himself but through others as well . the film have a heavy feel and but scene of jia cycling through bejing and party with his friend lighten the tone . so do the bitter humor in a lot of event throughout the film . the music be beautiful and stay with me for a while after . this be a film that might not easily appeal to many people but for those interested in the more serious and modern chinese film this be a strong recommendation .