Devils on the Doorstep

Synopsis

Devils on the Doorstep is a 2001 Chinese black comedy war film directed by Jiang Wen. Set in a small Chinese village during the Japanese occupation in World War II, the film follows an enigmatic stranger who imposes a deadly task upon the villagers. As the tension escalates, the villagers navigate themes of survival, betrayal, and the consequences of war. With a mix of humor and tragedy, the film showcases the resilience and complexities of human nature in the face of extraordinary circumstances.

Cast

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  Jiang Wen

  Ma Dasan

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  Jiang Hongbo

  Yu'er

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  Teruyuki Kagawa

  Kosaburo Hanaya

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  David Wu

  Major Gao

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  Yuan Ding

  Dong Hanchen

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  Cong Zhijun

  Grandfather

Reviews

Devils on the Doorstep has garnered critical acclaim for its unique storytelling and bold portrayal of wartime struggles. Metacritic gave the film a rating of 70/100, praising its dark humor and emotional depth. IMDb rated it 8.2/10, highlighting the strong performances and gripping narrative. Rotten Tomatoes showed a high approval rating of 91%, with critics lauding the film's powerful themes and impactful message. Variety described it as 'a haunting wartime fable that resonates with profound humanity', while Indiewire commended Jiang Wen's direction and the film's poignant social commentary. Overall, Devils on the Doorstep is a must-watch for those seeking a thought-provoking cinematic experience.