The film made its international premiere in competition at the 60th Berlin International Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Golden Bear. The film received enthusiastic responses at the Berlin International Film Festival.
The film received polarizing responses from audiences, with some noting the film's visual inventiveness and non-serious tone, while others criticized the film maker's use of slapstick humor and over-the-top style. Zhang revealed at the Berlinale that the Coen brothers had written to him after seeing a copy of the film, and expressed that they loved this version.
