Ranking with
other current glories of China -- The King of Masks, and Eat Drink, Man,
Woman, director Zhang Yang's study of the generational conflict between
old and new China mixes droll humor with pathos in a delightful film radiating
irresistible charm.
Contemptuous of his proletarian roots, affluent business executive Da
Ming takes off from his high-paying job in modernized Shenzhen for a brief
visit to his youthful home in Beijing
where his elderly father aided by
Da Ming's retarded brother run a traditional combination bathhouse, tonsorial
and massage parlor and a venerable social center for cricket fights, chess,
tea and sake, gossip and convivial bonhomie. Da Ming's values get turned
around as he relates to Dad, and childlike younger brother Er Ming who
bursts with the irrepressible exuberance of an affectionate puppy, and
their intimate circle of long-time customers.
Underlying
the wit and genial good spirits is the threat of encroaching high-rise
civilization to destroy engaging traditions and communal joys . .Capitvating
from first to last, Shower is a gem not to be overlooked.
