The Road Home (1999)
Zhang Yimou's tender romance follows a son uncovering his parents' enduring love story through memory and grief.
The Road Home - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Road Home
- Release Year: 1999
- Directed by: Zhang Yimou
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Romance
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 16, 1999 (China), February 15, 2000 (Germany), July 6, 2000 (Australia), November 4, 2000 (South Korea - All)
- Alternative Titles: Vejen hjem (DK), O Caminho Para Casa (BR), O dromos gia to spiti (GR), در راه خانه (IR), The Road Home (UK), Veien hjem (NO), Пътят към дома (BG), Az út haza (HU)
- Production Companies: Guangxi Film Studio, Beijing New Picture Film Co. Ltd., Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Classics, CP Film Production Asia
- Production Countries: China, Hong Kong, United States of America
The Road Home - Plot
Prompted by the death of his father and the grief of his mother, a man recalls the story of how they met in flashback.
The Road Home - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and discover the world of this luminous Chinese romance:
An unforgettable journey into the realm of the heart.
Where to Watch The Road Home
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The Road Home - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Zhang Yimou
Main Cast
- Zhang Ziyi
- Zheng Hao
- Yulian Zhao
- Sun Honglei
- Li Bin
- Song Yuncheng
- Guifa Chang
- Wencheng Sung
- Liu Qi
- Ji Bo
Writers
- Shi Bao
Producers
- Yu Zhao
The Road Home - FAQs
Where can you stream The Road Home?
The Road Home is available to rent or buy on several digital platforms, including Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It is not currently available on any major subscription streaming service. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date regional availability.
What is The Road Home about?
The Road Home follows a man who returns to his rural Chinese village after his father's death. Through flashbacks, the film tells the story of how his parents fell in love — a young woman's quiet, persistent devotion to a village schoolteacher. It is a lyrical meditation on love, memory, and grief.
Is The Road Home based on a true story?
The Road Home is not based on a specific true story. It is adapted from the Chinese novella 'Remembrance' by Shi Bao. While rooted in the cultural and social landscape of rural China, the narrative is a work of fiction celebrating timeless themes of love and loyalty.
Who are the main actors in The Road Home?
The Road Home stars Zhang Ziyi in her breakthrough role as the young Zhao Di, alongside Zheng Hao as the schoolteacher Luo Changyu. Yulian Zhao portrays the older Zhao Di, and Sun Honglei plays the couple's son, Luo Yusheng, who narrates the story.
Was The Road Home Zhang Ziyi's debut film?
Yes, The Road Home was Zhang Ziyi's feature film debut. Director Zhang Yimou cast her after seeing her in a commercial, and her luminous performance as the lovesick young Zhao Di launched her international career. She went on to star in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon just one year later.
Did The Road Home win any awards?
The Road Home won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the 2000 Berlin International Film Festival, one of cinema's most prestigious honors. It was also selected as China's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, bringing Zhang Yimou and Zhang Ziyi significant international recognition.
How long is The Road Home?
The Road Home has a runtime of 89 minutes, making it a compact and emotionally focused film. Its brevity suits its intimate storytelling style, allowing Zhang Yimou to craft a deeply affecting narrative without overstaying its welcome.
What language is The Road Home in?
The Road Home is spoken entirely in Mandarin Chinese. The film's original language is Chinese, and it was produced in China. International audiences typically watch it with subtitles. It was distributed in Western markets by Sony Pictures Classics.
More About The Road Home
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