18/13
I want to be the wind
Line of Events
Ma Chenggang and Chunlan, who “have no oil in the soup and no money in their pockets”, ride a donkey to work and have a poor family. Their son Ma Jiye is the only hope that can change their fate. This is the 3rd feature, following Xia Luo te fan nao (2015) & Xi hong shi shou fu (2018) in “Slinky Town Universe”, from writer-directors Da-Mo Peng & Fei Yan, starring Teng Shen.
Written by Fei PengLyrics by Tian Tang Performed by Lu Xian Sen
My wife unexpectedly invited me to watch the latest Chinese comedy and I settled for what turned out to be quite a lengthy experience! Ma Chenggang, the master of self-deprecating humor, presents The Truman Show – Chinese style! It seems he and directors Da-Mo Peng and Fei Yan expected us to check our brains at the door and accept child abuse as funny.
The film shows a significant amount of creative flaws, but unfortunately, audiences seem more captivated by the 4K visuals than any meaningful narrative structure
The term "It’s just a comedy so don’t take it too seriously" falls as an audience struggling with life’s difficulties seeks a brief escape from their burdens for two hours. The story revolves around two hours of parents lying about raising their child in a monitored open prison, culminating in a rather clichéd ending that focuses on a father’s love and duty. When all criticism and introspection is suppressed and the notion that “wealth equals paternal value” pervades the film, we have to think about how to confront our reality when we leave the theater.
What about those less fortunate?
One striking feature is the alarming nature of Chinese-style education, where parents feel compelled to impose strict training on their children to make them successful. The philosophy "Only through difficulties can one become a master" it has already claimed too many victims. Is it realistic to expect everyone to thrive as a predator in a competitive society?
Can you really make sure you won’t fall prey?
The portrayal of the mother is reduced to little more than a womb, without any significant impact on the plot. Li Ma’s performance as Chunlan was stylish, but her character had no impact on the flow of the plot. Ultimately, this film feels like a commercial comedy with no real social value.