Daringly crafted. An exquisite allegory of China’s globalist visions among a backward parochialism social mentality.
HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

Jia’s most extraordinary mapping isn’t of an external landscape, but an emotional one. Without ever leaving Beijing, he shows us an entire universe of human joy, frailty and sorrow.
LA WEEKLY

The World has a lot to say and is not in any unholy rush to say it.
LA TIMES

It has a romantic power that seeps into your bones, with its languid rhythms, general plotlessness, and fierce attention to surreal detail.
THE BOSTON GLOBE

The World is a tragic, visionary work.
CHICAGO READER

It presents a uniquely powerful look at the new big kid in the global economy.
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

There’s a seductive stillness to its enveloping mood, with much to appreciate in the sureness of hand with which Jia allows his scenes the time to breathe.
VARIETY

A glorious achievement
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Maverick Chinese director Jia Zhangke examines the rapidly changing face of China as its economy edges further toward a modified form of market capitalism with yet another complex, multicharacter masterpiece.
TV GUIDE’S MOVIE GUIDE

The World is the director’s most accessible film
VILLAGE VOICE