On the Beat (1995) User Reviews

Beijing cops chasing stray dogs ! ! ! !

[FilmCriticLalitRao · 10/10 · 5 August 2008]

Ning Ying is one of the most talented women filmmakers from China. She is known for her simple films which portray sympathy for the weaklings, underdogs. Most of her films are based in Beijing, the Chinese capital which is becoming more and more modern. Her film has borrowed some influence from veteran Italian director Bernardo Bortoucci, "The Last Emperor" for which Ning Ying worked. Minjing Gushi (On the beat)is a simple film about two cops who must help each other as a lot depends on their togetherness. It is through them that we get to see city of Beijing, policemen on duty and family troubles for Chinese couples. It is said that work is important for an employed person. This is the case with one of the cops who tries his best to capture stray dogs. Ning Ying asked some real policemen to do this role in order to give her film an air of authenticity. On the beat is a charming film which tells us that family life is as important as working hours spent in office .A nice film to enjoy from a talented, respected woman filmmaker from China.

A Spectacular Film

[academic3000 · 20 April 2005]

A hilarious and realistic look at (police) life in Beijing; this film was produced on location and used real police, not actors; allegedly, the criminals shown were actually apprehended during the production of the film.

The other review commented that this film was incredibly dull and boring-- I it found the exact opposite. It was absolutely amazing to see the real mid-nineties Beijing. The supposedly "every-day" nature of the material is enlightening to one who has not experienced the mid-nineties Beijing, and is surely an insightful "step-back" analysis even to one who has experienced it.

All the material is first-rate. For someone not particularly looking for sensationalism, for someone who is fascinated by amazing (but not ridiculous) people and things that happen in the real world, this is a great film. I marvelled at the resourceful-- albeit somewhat pathetic, but nonetheless likable-- police officers and criminals.