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Bi Gan’s Resurrection Opens in U.S. Theaters to Split Reviews on Style Versus Feeling

Major reviews describe a visually audacious tribute to movie history that some critics find emotionally remote.

Overview

  • The third feature from Chinese director Bi Gan is now playing in U.S. theaters via Janus Films after a Cannes premiere that earned a Special Award.
  • Set in an alternate reality where dreaming is outlawed, the film follows a Deliriant played by Jackson Yee and an enforcer portrayed by Shu Qi.
  • Resurrection unfolds as a series of single-take-driven dream vignettes that reference distinct film eras and genres and thread through 20th‑century Chinese moments.
  • RogerEbert.com praises the craftsmanship but argues the film’s virtuosity feels mannered and lacks emotional depth.
  • The Los Angeles Times and Inverse hail the film’s ambition and emotional pull, underscoring sharply divergent critical responses.