As another reviewer stated here, this feels like a light comedy. But there is so much more to it. And to have the ability to mix the lightness (especiall in the way many scenes are staged and shot) with the philosophical question it raises is just plain great. It might not be your cup of tea or you might think that some people are reading things into the movie that aren't there. But seeing a trailer for another movie done by this director, I am pretty sure, that those things are meant to be there.Nevertheless, it doesn't make this movie flawless. And quite a few people will dislike it. But as with many movies, you should be able to tell, if you like the (visual) style and tone of the movie, when it reaches the ten minute mark. If it didn't convince you by then, you could stop watching, because it won't have any different effect by the end of it. On the other hand, if you are "captured" (no pun intended) into the world, you will have a truly great experience watching this movie.

What do you get when you combine an idealistic country bumpkin, two sets of professional thieves, and a long train ride (with more than it's share of surprises along)? Well if it's awesomely directed, acted and filmed, it's probably Feng Xiaogang's A World Without Thieves, a slow paced but rewarding film. In the opening, we meet a male and female couple who are professional thieves named Bo Wong (Andy Lau) and Li Wang (Rene Liu). After an argument about Li leaving the profession, Bo kicks her out of the car. Walking into town, Li meets a naive orphan named Dumbo(Baoqiang Wang) who happens to be carrying his life's saving of 60,000 dollars with him in his carry-on bag. Li and Fu quickly become friends, when Bo re-enters the story. The three decide to take a train ride where they meet another set of professional pickpockets. Dumbo soon finds himself in the middle of two set's of scheming thieves, his only protection is the sympathetic thief Li Wang. But is she enough to save the lamb from the wolves?The film's first 20 minutes is actually the best shot and most emotionally affecting part of the film, it actually called to my mind the better works of Zhang Yimou. The opener also features some brilliant work by Photography Director Zhang Li. The shots of mainland China's mountains and are incredibly shot and framed. Unfortunately, after the characters enter the train, we loose the beautiful landscape shots. The film than turns into a war of thieves complete with (what I'll call) Pickpocket Kung Fu, a series of dangerous contests, double crossings, and all kinds of out-right deliciously scandalous behavior.Although, shot a bit too-closely for my tastes, the action scenes are well-done, but they seem to be a bit out of pace with the film's beginning feel and overall themes. The competition scenes where actually much more satisfying than the film's martial arts. I wished the director would have featured more of the pickpocketing tricks and less of the razor-blade Kung Fu. Luckily, the sum of the whole is greater than it's parts and overall AWWT makes for one of the most satisfying films I've seen in years.The characters also help make this film what it is. Andy Lau is excellent as the devious but likable Bo. Rene Liu is also great as the Yin to Bo's Yang. Her Character is played pretty straight forwardly but is convincing as the only real character in the film that could be called a decent person(other than Dumbo). Everyone plays holds their weight in the film, actually the only weak link-in terms of acting-is Baoqiang Wang as the naive countryman. His performance isn't bad but seems to be a bit over-done (is anybody really that innocent?). On a inconsequential side note, I understand the concept of Andy Lau's need to disguise himself (being a wanted man and all). But why did the director feel the need to dress him in that horrible wig? I actually applauded and cheered approximately 70 minutes into the film when Bo looses his hairpiece in the wind.Bottom Line- A World Without Thieves is an all around good time. It has it's share of minor faults but is overall a great film.

a highly promising script of two thieves, wang li and wang bo who suddenly find themselves adopting a young and naive carpenter and end up trying to keep his life savings from being stolen by a rival gang of thieves on board a train. the film started off fine enough, with eye catching cinematography and a good soundtrack. however, someone must have lost the plot midway because as much as i wanted to fall in love with the film, it ended up a disappointment. a highly muddled ending probably spoiled it for me. dumbo's character was never fully dealt with towards the end and one feels empty wishing that this promising film would at least live up to it's promise.

Feng Xiaogang has made himself the fame of making good holiday films in the past several years. Most of them achieved the purposes of making laugh and making people a happy new year.This one is the best one in that both in the filming and produce, it has more meaning and more depth. Well, it is still not an 'art' movie. It is still just targeted for box income.The performance of actors and actresses is OK, not too much to exceed what they are usually doing. By maintaining their perform, this movie achieve the adequate balance between a good movie (usually a heavy one) and a laughter making movie.The story is a made one for sure. A world without thieves has disappeared from 10 years ago. Now it is a world full of thieves. It might remind people in their 30s the good old days of China ...