Review:

Long-limbed portrait, set during 1977-84, of a working-class, urban family is initially slow to spin its magic but gradually weaves an involving web of believable characters, accretion of local detail, and interlocking stories centered on the three grown children. Arty but accessible entry - a late standout in Berlin's uneven competition - looks set for future fest kudos and niche business with upscale Asiaphile auds.

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Gu Changwei's directorial debut, Peacock, has been awarded the Jury Grand Prix award at the Berlin Film Festival. The film has neither a stellar cast nor an intricate plot, but it's proved that the staleness and ordinariness of Chinese life can be both revelatory and recognizable for cinema-goers outside China.

BERLIN -- Gu Changwei, one of China's most accomplished cinematographers, who has worked with such fellow "Fifth Generation" filmmakers as Chen Kaige and Zhang Yimou, makes an auspicious directing debut with "Peacock." This lyrical film finds its drama in the lives of ordinary folks coming to terms with the cards life dealt them. It comes as no surprise that "Peacock" is beautiful to behold. Yet the compassion and empathy Gu has for his characters and their behavior, observed without judgment or condescension, mark him as a true storyteller.

Ace cinematographer Gu Changwei, who's worked with Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige and Jiang Wen in his native China, plus RobertAltman on "The Gingerbread Man," makes an impressive helming debut with "Peacock."