"Lifetimes" has complex yet sympathetic characters, outstanding production values, natural and convincing acting, and a thoroughly fascinating plot. As we follow one family through nearly half of China's tulmultuous 20th-century history, gripping historical events and their impact on ordinary, decent people come together very potently.

Besides being an example of wonderful storytelling in its own right, this film also a illustrates, very tangibly, the universality of the human experience. Many Westerners may find Chinese culture and history (what little most of us know of it) to be alien or even puzzling; but the values, hopes, and joys of the characters in this film (and their disappointments and tribulations too, to be sure) should ring true to anybody, anywhere.

I can't recommend this film highly enough!