Mountains May Depart

Mountains May Depart, directed by Jia Zhangke in 2015, is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the inexorable passage of time, centered around the life of Tao, a woman whose choices resonate through different eras. The film unfolds in three distinct chapters, each set in a different year—1999, 2014, and 2025—highlighting the evolving socio-economic landscape of China alongside Tao's personal journey. In the first segment, viewers are introduced to a vibrant young Tao, caught in a love triangle between her childhood friend and a wealthy businessman. This initial exploration of youthful passion and the pursuit of happiness sets the stage for the complexities that follow.

As the narrative progresses, we see Tao navigate the stark realities of adulthood and motherhood, grappling with the emotional weight of her decisions. The film poignantly reflects on themes of nostalgia and the often harsh realities of modern life, contrasting the optimism of the late 1990s with the disillusionment of the present and an uncertain future. By 2025, the implications of Tao's past choices are laid bare, revealing how time can reshape relationships and alter dreams. With a contemplative tone and striking cinematography, Mountains May Depart invites viewers to reflect on their own lives and the mountains of time that may separate them from their past, making it a thought-provoking choice for anyone drawn to deeply human stories.