The characters in this film are defined by motives that are small enough to be relatable, and actions that are big enough to be inspiring.

Simon Abrams

RogerEbert.com

It’s Fang’s transformation, embodied by Ms. Zhou’s lean, cool authority, that carries the most weight, lending the proceedings an unforced feminist dimension, and reaffirming Ms. Hui’s status as one of China’s cinematic treasures.

Andy Webster

The New York Times

As usual in Hui’s films, the personal and the political are stitched tightly together.

Mark Jenkins

Washington Post