Movie Name: YOLO
Cast: Jia Ling, Lei Jiayin
Director: Jia Ling
Genre: Comedy Drama
Available on: Netflix
After a long time, I watched a Chinese film, courtesy of Netflix’s recommendation. This delightful movie, directed by Jia Ling, is more than just a light-hearted comedy when it takes a surprising turn by the end. Kudos to Ling for shedding 50kg for her role as the protagonist.
It’s no wonder the film is the highest-grossing Chinese movie of the year. It deserves more praise, particularly for its cinematography and editing. A scene where the protagonist climbs three flights of stairs with only a light bulb illuminating the way is a visual masterpiece. The beautiful lighting and fitting background score set the perfect mood for the film.
The soundtrack enhances the emotions throughout, leaving the audience wanting for more. My favorite is the transition sequence with the Rocky theme. And the end credits are a treat—riveting in a way usually reserved for Marvel movies (wink wink).
*SPOILER ALERT*
The ending completely shifts the film’s tone with a series of flashbacks. Remarkably, these scenes feel familiar even though we haven’t seen them before, thanks to the movie’s clever transitional cuts. When Du Leying falls and looks at Hao Kun from the boxing ring, her expression conveys that life has dealt her many blows, and now she wants to test her limits. She believes she has endured life’s sucker punches and wants to finish the game on her own terms at least once.
This beautiful film delivers an unexpected, lovely message that will move you to tears. I highly recommend it. With its clean humor and witty jokes, it’s a movie the whole family can enjoy. After a long time, I’m giving a movie 5 stars. All credit goes to the director and the star, Jia Ling.
P.S. Don’t miss the end credits.