All the Way (2001) User Reviews

Watchable Sino-pop action

[Pro Jury · 5/10 · 9 May 2005]

+++ This comment may contain spoilers. +++

A kind hearted driver becomes embroiled with a cute hitchhiker and her violent outlaw boyfriend. ALL THE WAY has action, drama and romance -- although none of it is super outstanding. The best thing going for this movie is its leading lady. Hong Kong pop star Karen Mok displays her charisma in each and every scene.

Director Runjiu Shi is most famous for making Sino-pop (Chinese) music videos. As expected, here he keeps the pacing brisk and steady. At its best, ALL THE WAY offers medium-lightweight adventure in the Chinese territories.

ALL THE WAY was shot in 2000 and released in the following year. English subtitles are easy to read, but the grammar is not always perfect (and the subtitles are not always present).

The Vastness of China

[[e-mail] · 7/10 · 26 November 2007]

For folks who have not traveled to China, this movie is an eye opener of sorts. That folks living in the townships of farming areas can face real economic hardships given its remoteness and few visitors. The many hotel touts chasing after the leads when they enter the town to stay over was telling, as is the number of abandoned low-storied buildings. That the old man artist stayed alone in a traditional house also highlights the plight of the old left behind. In such an isolated landscape, the place is ideal for criminals to hide in and operate (which forms part of the film's tale). Hence the need for law and order. It is inevitable that in the rush to riches and economic prosperity, scams happen and this tale is cautionary. The ending also suggest why a government needs to keep its people positive when going through tumultuous times. It can all too easily turn into anarchy. In getting things done and people having their way (pursuit of economic riches), people can be unreasonable. Perhaps the director is hinting at the unreasonable behavior of the Cultural Revolution. Certainly in times like these in China, it is no place for the meek and weak. But decency can and should prevail.

Very good introspection of Chinese traditional culture

[zzmale · 8 April 2004]

The literal translation of the title of this movie is: Walk all the Way to the end.

The hidden message behind the story is actually really good because it is a great introspection on Chinese traditional culture. In the Chinese traditional culture, it is always encouraged to be prudent, this plus the disastrous political movements such as the Cultural Revolution after the communist takeover, further enhanced the idea of play safe by being cautious.

However, such practice is actually not good in the modern capitalism because you must willing to take risks for greater rewards. This movie points out this via relationships, which could also apply to the business ventures in real life.