Yun Chi's magnificent performance alone makes it well worth the watch.
The story revolves around the life of a young lesbian girl from the Chinese working class. While this is relevant and well portrayed throughout the entire movie, giving us a well-crafted image of the social context of contemporary China (and many other societies as well, which in this globalized world are not so different in terms of social stratification),I think none of that is the focal point of the movie.
The focal point, I would say, is Meili's character as a fragile human being, broken by the weight of an absent family and an array of toxic relationships, all of that reinforced in the context of the society in which she lives in and a life with no financial security.
In the end, the realization that Meili's history and deteriorating mental health are far too real in our world, brings a sense of sadness and empathy towards the character.
5.9Plot summary
Abandoned by her parents, Meili was raised by her elder sister, who is infertile. Meili is set up and raped by her brother-in-law before giving birth to a daughter in secret. Later Meili runs away with her lover, but soon her lover abandons her and her sister, a victim of domestic violence, comes to her for help. When her brother-in-law finds her, Meili resigns herself to the dire reality.
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Recommend for those who like Indie movies
It's hard being a working class lesbian in China.
First off, there is no sexual violence in this movie. Meili is about a Chinese working class lesbian trying to make a better life for herself, but things keep getting in the way. She wants to move to Shanghai to try bigger city life. She works from job to job and things are hard. It's a very slow real to life movie. Reminds me some of Jim Jarmusch's work but a little faster than most. It's a 90 minute look into working class China and if you ever had to work for minimum wage or close to, you will relate to this and maybe see a coworker in the main character. The lead actress is great and brings the whole thing together. The plot is predictable, but the movie feels very grounded that you really feel for Meili's struggles. The camera work is a little jarring in it's movements at times, like they couldn't afford to take too many takes or weren't filming with permits. But the actors pull it off. If you enjoy indie films, give this a watch. If you're looking for a budget or something more fast pace and a little Hollywood, then this might not be for you.
very difficult to watch
Very slow to the point of tedious, a dystopian tale of what living in China Commie CCP must be like with no redeeming values