UFO in Her Eyes (2011)

Director: Xiaolu Guo
Writers: Xiaolu Guo (screenplay), Pamela Casey (screenplay)
Stars: Ke Shi, Udo Kier, Mandy Zhang

A mysterious Chinese peasant woman one day claims she has seen a UFO, from that day the world turns to upside down. The film is a metaphoric political satire on post-Mao era China.

In the rugged hills of developing China contrasts, changes and contradictions are rife. Such are fodder for the satirical wit of writer/director Xiaolu Guo. No one, save for the natural world - thank goodness, escapes her jests. Her story unfolds in a Twain-like manner. In a flash of light a mysterious object appears in the countryside. Many interpret this event in their own selfish ways and attempt to turn competing visions into cash or advantage. Guo gets closer to the truth about modern day China than the presumptive, authoritative and vague official reports and so called "news" that emanate from China today. As expected with a film budget that is smaller than most, there are some awkward moments and the film could do better with more depth, yet Guo's story is intriguing, alluring and whimsical. I especially like (and won't give away too much) the colorful, warm and empathetic ending which is analogous to what life really arises to.

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