A Reflection on Cinema: A Journey to the Venice Film Festival

A Reflection on Cinema: A Journey to the Venice Film Festival

Waking up at six in the morning to head straight to Lido Island in Venice for a movie is a commitment to the art of cinema! The film’s climax caught me off guard, ending suddenly with a beautiful score, triggering tears I couldn’t quite understand. 🎬

Outstanding Performances

One of the highlights of the movie was the performance by Xin Zhilei, whose character had layers of complexity. I found myself telling my parents right after the movie, “The role of Xin Zhilei is incredibly challenging!” Her emotional depth evolves throughout the film, and some may find her final act surprising. However, I interpret it as an expression of desperation and hope; she desperately seeks to protect her child, perhaps signifying a new beginning.

At one point, during a confrontation with the garment factory owner, she implores, “What about the child in your womb?” This moment struck me as her way of ‘paying debts’—in a sense, not just in the financial realm, but emotionally for her child. With the impending departure of the male protagonist and the loss of her child, her mental state shatters, leading to actions that defy conventional logic.

Zhang Songwen’s performance was consistently impressive as well. His character’s sense of release towards the end evoked a poignant response; it’s heartbreaking to see how everyone plays such small roles in a life that is so hard. To my surprise, Feng Shaofeng’s presence was also a highlight; I hadn’t noticed his promotional appearances prior to watching the film, but he brought his character to life beautifully! 🌟

Predictable Plot Twists?

Interestingly, I found that I could predict many plot developments, such as who was responsible for the hit-and-run and the twist surrounding Zhang Songwen’s imprisonment. While the storyline felt somewhat conventional, it was filled with dialogue between the leads that required patience and attentive listening to grasp its full meaning.

Moving Soundtrack

I must mention the music, especially the closing score, which resonated deeply with me. Accompanying the movie’s conclusion, Xin Zhilei and Zhang Songwen share an emotional embrace while other passengers disembark, oblivious to their grief. It’s as if everyone around them is just dust in the life of mundanity, while the film’s abrupt ending, paired with the haunting music, became a trigger for my tears. At that moment, the shocking act silenced my thoughts, not leaving much room to analyze the finer details. 🎶

Conclusion

Overall, attending the Venice Film Festival and watching this captivating Chinese film was a joyous experience. Here’s hoping that Chinese cinema continues to reach greater heights and resonate with audiences worldwide! 🌏