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Movie poster: Mama (1990)
🎬 Movie

Mama

1990 · 89 min Drama
6.8 / 10 · TMDB

Often cited as China’s first independent feature film, this low-budget drama, filmed largely in the director’s Beijing apartment, depicts the life of a single mother (a topic considered taboo at the time) caring for her mentally challenged son. Shot with a documentary aesthetic that includes interviews with families of mentally challenged persons, the film helped kick-start the Sixth Generation of filmmakers (including Wang Xiaoshuai and Jia Zhangke) and their ethos of employing documentary realism to depict the true conditions of contemporary China.

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📋 Film Details

Original Title 妈妈
Year 1990
Country China
Genre Drama
Director Zhang Yuan
Runtime 89 min.
Rating TMDB: 6.8/10 (4 votes)

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🎬 MovieFinder's Take

Mama has mixed reviews with a rating of 6.8/10. Good for a relaxed evening without high expectations.

Not every film is made for everyone. Read the synopsis, watch the trailer — you'll know right away if it's for you.

A classic from 1990. They don't make them like this anymore — which is exactly why you should watch it. Best for: viewers looking to try something new without being too demanding.

— MovieFinder Editorial

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