Filmed in Hangzhou, "The Clouds in My Room" seeks to capture states-of-being and the feelings that go with them, and does this remarkably well through a subtle montage of cinematographically stunning images. Mood is more important than plot, although the plot offers a story which is universal: the loneliness of young adults, longing for companionship, understanding and love. And at the same time situated with precision: here that universal experience is captured in a specificity that is female, Chinese, and set in Hangzhou. Well-acted throughout, the first sex scene is surprisingly explicit, and yet perfectly conceived as underscoring the profound loneliness of Zhou Mozi, her existential despair at lack of meaningful connection. Like the ancient art of calligraphy, this film applies its ink (its sequences and frames) gently yet precisely to produce a work of art.

It is slow and not that different from other art-house movies out there, which you can find in indie cinemas.

But it is good at what it does. I didn't fall in love with it while watching it, but it did stick with me. Weeks after watching this piece, I still find myself recalling some of its moments, some of its calmness.

Maybe it is just some kind of personal connection with some of the characters, who have since remained in my memories as distant old friends, especially Muzi. Or maybe it is really well acted and directed.

Either way, it is a movie I will be rewatching in the future.

With the blessing of Rotterdam tiger award and the gimmick of three full disclosure of male and female stars, it has naturally become the hot spot of this #first youth film exhibition # but it is also the best interpretation of moaning without illness. Many young directors will focus on the place where they grew up and the past, bright or sad, but I can't see any changes and arcs of characters in this film, and the text can be said to be basically zero. Finally, the award of the best art exploration award or the direction of editing may be just a comfort to some extent.