Riding Alone For Thousands Of Miles

Takada, a Japanese fisherman, has been estranged from his son for many years, but when the son is diagnosed with terminal cancer his daughter-in-law, Rie, summons him to the hospital. When his son refuses to see him, Rie gives him a videotape about the work his son was doing on a documentary film in a remote region of China's Yunnan province.

Still troubled by the relationship, Takada decided to complete his son's work in part to develop an understanding of his son, and in part to do something for him. Once in China, a series of obstacles and relationships bring him unexpectedly closer to both an understanding of himself and of his son.

Critic Reviews:

• " It sounds like a slight plot, and it is, but it is rich in detail that makes up for the simplicity of the story. " – Richard Nilsen

• " It's a masterful little film, and, thanks to Zhang's seasoned hands, it's subtly heartfelt but never manipulative. " – Desson Thomson

• " This may be one man's story but the themes are epic. " – Amber Wilkinson