The team surrounding "Ma Zhe" (Zhu Yilong) displays considerable loyalty as he guides them through an inquiry initiated by the discovery of “Granny Four’s” body near a riverbank. The initial focus of suspicion lands on her adopted acquaintance, referred to only as the "madman," but the detective isn't entirely persuaded that the situation is so simple. His work is further complicated by demands from his ping-pong ent…

Only The River Flows marks my introduction to the work of Wei Shujun, and I’m eager to discover more films by this director because there was so much about this one that I really liked. The film's use of celluloid is immediately striking, creating a gorgeous atmosphere enhanced by noir-inspired lighting and frequent smoke effects. I am always drawn in when a movie incorporates elements of film noir; the first 80 m…