The largest human migration now on DVD

“Last Train Home” documents a Chinese family separated by thousands of miles, all for the purpose of finding work. Although parts of the film seem overly dramatic, the family’s struggles with finding employment while staying together are utterly compelling.

Directed by Lixin Fan, the film documents Changhua Zhan and Suqin Chen, a couple who have left their children to find work elsewhere. Because of the menial nature of their work, they can only go home once a year, during the Chinese New Year.

Their relationship with their children is obviously strained. The daughter, now in high school, feels patronized by people she barely knows when her parents lecture her about getting better grades. Their son has even less of a connection to them. The cycle repeats itself once again when Changhua and Suqin’s daughter leaves to work in the factories.

Critics have pointed out that some scenes may be staged, but it only detracts slightly from the film’s power. It’s hard to believe this family can survive on nothing more than a train ride.