It's easier to watch this as an American because it's distant - countryside Chinese men and women have very little in common with me. At least initially. But this scene, in all its variations, plays out over and over again all throughout the world, and probably, throughout my every day.
Because it's so much easier to look out the other window.
And the question that this film demands an answer to, is why? Why do we turn our heads? Why do we do nothing when we can do so much. When we can help?
I'm also struck by the ending. Why did he smile? I know he's grateful that she "saved" him, but is a smile the most appropriate (or perhaps real is a better way to put it) response? If she was so distraught, so deeply hurt that she found solace in killing herself and a few dozen other people, would one really smile? It almost seems . . . selfish. Like him trying to defend her was more for him than her.
In the presence of death and destruction, he smiles. Why?
Thoughts anyone?