Chinese 'Mystery' opens Cannes sidebar race The cast of the film "Mystery" in competiton in the Un Certain Regard selec...

Chinese 'Mystery' opens Cannes sidebar race

The cast of the film "Mystery" in competiton in the Un Certain Regard selection (from L) Chinese actress Hao Lei, Chinese director Lou Ye, Chinese actor Qin Hao, Chinese actress Qi Xi, Chinese actress Chang Fangyuan and Chinese actor Zhu Yawen arrive for the screening of "De Rouille et D'Os" (Rust and Bone) presented in competition at the 65th Cannes film festival in Cannes. AFP

Chinese actress Hao Lei poses during the photocall of "Mystery" presented in the "Un Certain Regard" selection at the 65th Cannes film festival in Cannes. AFP

A Chinese thriller about a family man leading a double life kicked off the parallel new talent section of the Cannes Film Festival Thursday, in presence of director Lou Ye and his cast.

British director Tim Roth heads the jury for this year's "Un Certain Regard" competition, with new work from 17 up-and-coming directors including David Cronenberg's son Brandon, and fellow Canadian Xavier Dolan who is just 23.

"We're going to suffer heartbreaking stories, and happiness and comedy -- and it will be a challenge but it will be a lot of fun, and this is what film does," Roth quipped on stage before the gala screening.

"Mystery" marks Lou's return to official film-making in China after the director received a five-year sanction for his 2006 movie "Summer Palace", which screened in Cannes.

He had to shoot under cover for his 2009 "Spring Fever", a steamy gay-themed love triangle that won a Cannes screenplay award, while his "Love and Bruises" was made in France.

"We are happy he is able once more to work as a film-maker at home in China," festival general delegate Thierry Fremaux said as he introduced the director's new film.

Starring Hao Lei and Hao Qin and set in urban China, "Mystery" tells of a young mother who discovers her husband is leading a double life, with dramatic consequences for all involved.

Its critical reception in Cannes was cool however with the Hollywood Reporter summing it up as a "blandly-titled, rain-soaked romantic melodrama... despite two strong performances by the female leads."

(Agencies)