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A Thousand Years of Good Prayers

Play trailer Poster for A Thousand Years of Good Prayers 2008 1h 23m Drama Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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79% Tomatometer 39 Reviews 55% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
In the wake of his wife's death, Shi leaves his native China to find his estranged daughter, Yilan, in the United States. There, Shi befriends Madam, an Arab-American mother who can relate to his feelings of isolation and culture shock. After having an awkward reunion with Yilan, Shi realizes just how far apart they've grown from each other. And though he can barely speak English, Shi decides to stay permanently, hoping to mend their broken relationship.
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A Thousand Years of Good Prayers

A Thousand Years of Good Prayers

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Critics Consensus

Though it may not be as profound as its pacing would suggest, A Thousand Years of Good Prayers delicately examines familial issues in an earnest fashion.

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Critics Reviews

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Leo Goldsmith IndieWire 08/08/2009
Wang's new film suggests not only a return to form but also the revival of an old theme from his early Asian-American dramedies: the different ways that certain generations translate and adapt their cultural heritage Go to Full Review Joshua Katzman Chicago Reader 12/16/2008
As in most of Wang's films, a memorable cast of characters compensates for a serviceable plot. Go to Full Review Carrie Rickey Philadelphia Inquirer 11/20/2008
3/4
A keenly observed portrait of a parent and child estranged by geography, language, ideology and generation. In other words, a universal story of family in the age of globalization. Go to Full Review Carlos Marañón Cinemanía (Spain) 11/06/2020
4/5
Wayne Wang's first vital film since Smoke and Blue in the Face. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review David Lamble Bay Area Reporter 06/02/2020
A clash of civilizations plays comic havoc with a generation gap. Go to Full Review Enrique Buchichio Uruguay Total 01/21/2010
3/5
Quizás el film más personal de Wayne Wang, un sobrio y cálido relato sobre las barreras culturales, idiomáticas o emocionales que suelen separar a los seres humanos. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Gaylord R @RT95327010 04/22/2023 What a beautiful, shining gem this film is! A tender personal story woven into larger historical issues one needs at least another 3000 prayers to find something even remotely touching and blessing. See more 05/15/2021 Be aware, it's primarily subtitled. See more 12/29/2015 Wayne Wang's hands-on subject about cultural conflicts between East & West. Sounds so out-of-date stereotype however. See more 06/20/2014 Una pelicula maravillosa See more 01/27/2013 moving and beautiful See more 06/30/2012 Soy un cultureta, veo pelis independientes chino-estadounidenses See more Read all reviews
A Thousand Years of Good Prayers

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Cast & Crew

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Wayne Wang

Director

Henry O

Mr. Shi

Yu Feihong

Yilan

Vida Ghahremani

Madame

Pasha D. Lychnikoff

Boris

Megan Albertus

Forensics Girl

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A Thousand Years of Good Prayers

A Thousand Years of Good Prayers (2007) A Thousand Years of Good Prayers (2007) A Thousand Years of Good Prayers (2007) Director Wayne Wang and Vida Ghahremani on the set of "A Thousand Years of Good Prayers." Henry O as Mr. Shi and Vida Ghahremani as Madame in "A Thousand Years of Good Prayers." Pavel Lychnikoff as Boris and Faye Yu as Yilan in "A Thousand Years of Good Prayers." Faye Yu as Yilan in "A Thousand Years of Good Prayers." Faye Yu as Yilan in "A Thousand Years of Good Prayers." Faye Yu as Yilan and Henry O as Mr. Shi in "A Thousand Years of Good Prayers." Director Wayne Wang on the set of "A Thousand Years of Good Prayers." View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In the wake of his wife's death, Shi leaves his native China to find his estranged daughter, Yilan, in the United States. There, Shi befriends Madam, an Arab-American mother who can relate to his feelings of isolation and culture shock. After having an awkward reunion with Yilan, Shi realizes just how far apart they've grown from each other. And though he can barely speak English, Shi decides to stay permanently, hoping to mend their broken relationship.
Director
Wayne Wang
Producer
Yukie Kito, Rich Cowan, Wayne Wang
Screenwriter
Yiyun Lee
Distributor
Magnolia Pictures
Production Co
North by Northwest Entertainment, Entertainment Farm (EF), Boram Entertainment
Genre
Drama, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 19, 2008, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 27, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA)
$76.1K
Runtime
1h 23m