ERMO

The movie ERMO is a humorous and witty commentary on the workings of Chinese village life against the backdrop of today’s fast-rising consumerism in China. The acquisition of money and material possessions is a predominant theme in this film, which poignantly captures human nature’s instinctive leanings towards all that he or she can possess within his or her means for self-gratification and as a measure of one’s status in life. ERMO is also the story of a simple, hard-working village girl who becomes obsessed with owning the largest television set in her village. This materialistic pursuit leads her to the city for work, where she discovers new tastes in lifestyle and sexual liberation in the form of adultery.

While ERMO is excellent in its wit, charming in its capture of credible everyday lives and topped by an incredibly exciting cast, it must not be overlooked that the message of rising materialism, status envy and the new sexual liberation, as depicted by a brief adulterous affair, makes the movie’s values questionable. Director Zhou has crafted ERMO into a film that entertains exquisitely. He has effectively captured simple lives in all their raw honesty, while leaving the issue of moral integrity within the viewer’s hands. The film is a charming portrayal of village life on the threshold of a new age, but the movie is marred by questionable values, adultery and brief nudity.