Praise for Wang Xiaoshuai's 11 FLOWERS

"Set during the waning stage of China's Cultural Revolution, 11 Flowers is by turns wistful, hopeful and even funny, balancing a momentous historical context with a stirring evocation of childhood.  Takes its place among Wang Xiaoshuai's finest films." - Justin Chang, Variety

"Critics’ Pick!  Blends lyricism, social realism, and subtle political critique into a finely tuned, riveting drama." - New York Magazine

"Fondly intimate... Delicate and autobiographical (Wang Han was the director’s name when he was a child, and the story is constructed from his boyhood memories), “11 Flowers” clings steadfastly to its youthful point of view... This oblique approach allows small moments of direct connection between Wang Han and his parents -- in particular a lovely scene where his father teaches him about the brush strokes in a Monet -- to resonate with luminous simplicity." - Jeannette Catsoulis, The New York Times

"Gently engrossing... possess[es] the heartfelt confidence that comes from autobiographical influence -- and natural talent... Equally moving is young Liu, whose steady performance makes the film’s deliberately limited perspective especially poignant." - Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News

"Wang Xiaoshuai's latest masterpiece. The careful, observational beauty and depth of "11 Flowers" puts it in the upper echelon of Wang's work. It might be his best film."
-G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle

"Recommended!" - Mark Jenkins, NPR

"A coming-of-age tale merged with a why-dunit... the actors -- especially Liu, and Yan Ni and Wang Jingchun as his parents -- are wonderfully unforced and natural... director Wang Xiaoshuai’s theme is poignant and classic."
- Farran Smith Nehme, New York Post

"Poignant…a beautifully crafted coming-of-age film, reminiscent of Rob Reiner’s Stand by Me… Much like Wang’s father teaches his son how to paint, interpreting reality on canvas, director Wang interprets his childhood reality onscreen in this small gem of a film."
- This Week In NY

"Liu Wenqing is a remarkably expressive young actor, who perfectly anchors the film. He makes Wang Han’s slow evolution from innocence to awakened conscience quite riveting and moving…11 Flowers is unusually sensitive and accomplished. It is probably the best film to focus on a youthful cast since Tom Shu-yu Lin’s Starry Starry Night, which was probably the best since who knows what? Beautifully lensed by Dong Jinsong, it is quality cinema on every level. Highly recommended." - Joe Bendel, Libertas Film Magazine