Revive 2017
Part of the omnibus anthology *Where Has Time Gone?*—a 2017 project curated by acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke—*Revive* is a poetic 21-minute drama that captures a fleeting moment of tenderness between an older couple in Pingyao, a UNESCO-listed ancient town.
Director: Jia Zhangke
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Revive (2017) about?
*Revive* follows a middle-aged couple in Pingyao as they grapple with the idea of starting a new chapter in their relationship. As they discuss the possibility of a second child, their conversation reveals deeper questions about aging, commitment, and the balance between holding on and moving forward.
Who directed Revive?
*Revive* was directed by Jia Zhangke, a leading figure in contemporary Chinese cinema known for his insightful portrayals of modern life and societal change.
Who stars in Revive?
The short film features Zhao Tao and Liang Jingdong in the lead roles, bringing emotional depth to their portrayal of a long-married couple.
Is Revive (2017) worth watching?
As a 21-minute drama from a celebrated director, *Revive* offers a thoughtful, visually rich experience that resonates with anyone who appreciates intimate storytelling. While it's part of a larger anthology, Jia Zhangke's segment stands out for its sincerity and quiet power.
How long is Revive?
*Revive* runs for 21 minutes.
About Revive (2017) — A Poetic Short Film on Love and Time by Jia Zhangke
Part of the omnibus anthology *Where Has Time Gone?*—a 2017 project curated by acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke—*Revive* is a poetic 21-minute drama that captures a fleeting moment of tenderness between an older couple in Pingyao, a UNESCO-listed ancient town. Jia Zhangke, known for his keen eye on social transitions and human relationships, crafts a reflective vignette where a Chinese husband and wife confront aging, memory, and the quiet pressures of time. Shot against the backdrop of Pingyao's lantern-lit streets and weathered walls, the film blends humor with melancholy, exploring whether love can be rekindled like an old flame or whether life's next chapter calls for new beginnings. The dialogue is sparse, the atmosphere intimate, and the setting almost like a character itself—timeless yet fragile.
While *Revive* is just one piece in a larger BRICS-themed anthology, Jia's segment stands out for its emotional honesty and visual poetry. The film doesn't offer grand resolutions but instead lingers on small, telling gestures—shared glances, hesitant words, and the unspoken tension of choice. It's a snapshot of life's second chances, wrapped in the quiet beauty of a historic town where the past and present collide. A meditation on love, legacy, and letting go, *Revive (2017)* is a hidden gem for fans of intimate, character-driven cinema.