Only the River Flows
Only the River Flows
Only the River Flows
Only the River Flows
Only the River Flows
Only the River Flows
Only the River Flows
Only the River Flows
Only the River Flows
Only the River Flows
Only the River Flows

KimStim

Only the River Flows

$28.99
$28.99
$41.98
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Edition Type: Limited Edition Slipcover

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{ "42893135904810":1 }
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This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!

Details

This special limited edition slipcover (designed by Beth Morris) is limited to 1,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

KimStim is a Brooklyn based, full-service distribution company dedicated to the release of exceptional independent, foreign, and documentary film. Founded in 2000 by Mika Kimoto and Ian Stimler, KimStim brings to US and North American audiences selected films from around the world gleaned from the most prestigious film festivals and include top prize winners from Sundance, Cannes, Venice, Toronto, Berlin, and Tribeca.

When a woman’s body is discovered on the banks of a river near a small town in southern China, it’s up to police investigator Ma Zhe (Zhu Yilong), working out of an abandoned cinema, to find the killer—but what at first appears to be an open-and-shut case turns out to be only the first layer of an ever deepening mystery, as Ma’s inquiry reveals the hidden life of the rural community. Based on Yu Hua’s short novel Mistakes by the River, Wei’s bleakly atmospheric tour-de-force neo-noir is laced with gallows humor and touches of the surreal, its grungy, low-contrast 16mm photography a hand in glove fit for its 1990s setting. “Visually entrancing… a mystifying gem. One of the best films at Cannes 2023.” —Frieze

directed by: Wei Shujun
starring: Zhu Yilong, Chloe Maayan, Hou Tianlai
2023 / 101 min / 1.85:1 / Mandarin DTS-HD MA 5.1

Additional info:

  • Region A Blu-ray
  • Trailer
  • Interview with Wei Shujun by Panos Kotzathanasis of Asian Movie Pulse
  • English subtitles

Overall rating: 4.774194 / 5 from 31 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Only the River Flows is a limited edition slipcover for a critically acclaimed neo-noir film directed by Wei Shujun. The movie, based on Yu Hua's short novel, features solid detective action and a wonderfully atmospheric setting. It is praised for its immersive experience and unique photography, making it a must-have for film enthusiasts.

Summary topics

  • Detective Action: 20%
  • Atmospheric Setting: 25%

Review topics: [feel, buy, film, movie, cinematography, gem, ending, thriller, story, slipcover, vinegar syndrome, acting, presentation].

Review highlights

  • "Love this movie and so glad Vinegar Syndrome put it out!" — Nevin L.
  • "A gem of a release for a fantastic film" — Nicolas K.
  • "Overall a very solid and immersive detective movie!" — david t.

Reviews

Great product, pretty good movie

"Beautiful copy of a movie had no idea existed before browsing the sale. Found the screenplay to be a little flimsy, but Only the River Flows is excellently directed, gorgeous, very moody and surprisingly funny. Would recommend!"

— Eric T. (5/5)

Maybe not the Ending for me

"It maybe doesn't entirely stick the landing but a very impressive and enjoyable ride along the way."

— Michael G. (5/5)

Moody Neo-Noir

"Loved the atmosphere in this one. Slow, deliberate, and worth the ride."

— Chris T. (5/5)

Detective Story That Morphs

"Movie: I would love to rewatch this with more context and get more out of it, but as is I felt a little disappointed at the end. There's a good sense of mystery throughout, and then even some Lynchian moments, but ultimately I'm not sure exactly what happened. I mean, there's sort of an obvious answer but it feels underwhelming. Also, not necessarily a great depiction of mental illness, although maybe that's just being true to 1990's China; this setting was another thing I really enjoyed about the movie. Extras: Always nice to have the trailer. The interview includes the director speaking in Chinese and being translated by a translator, which isn't always my favorite presentation. Packaging: The slipcover is really great."

— Gideon M. (4/5)

Wonderful transfer of a solid

"Wonderful transfer of a solid noir film"

— William K. (5/5)

Yilong Zhu is excellent in

"Yilong Zhu is excellent in this slow burn film noir thriller. The cinematography really stands out with some really striking images. Really enjoyed this one and it's a definite rewatch. Great purchase."

— Bryan K. (5/5)

Wow

"Great movie. . liked it, love it"

— Richard J. (5/5)

A Modern Gem

"This film is so beautifully shot it’s hard to believe it wasn’t made in the 1990s. Also a genuine surprise from Mainland China. I’ve thought about this film a lot since I’ve seen it and thankfully VS had a beautiful edition in stock so I can return to this film over and over."

— Thomas N. (5/5)

Excellent Slow-Burn Thriller

"This is an excellent, moody, slow-burn thriller with beautiful cinematography. Highly recommended!"

— Jeffrey L. (5/5)

Needed this

"Hope this teams gets to make more movies because MAN"

— Jermaine M. (4/5)

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