Message from syamada

[Anonymous]

Director: Zhang Yang

The main character, Jia Hongsheng, is an unlikable teenage actor trying to stay off drugs. His parents leave their home to move in with him and their daughter in Beijing to take care of him during his rehabilitation.

The director shows us:
- It is customary for the eldest son to be the favored member of the family. (The daughter is practically ignored.)
- Western ways may not be a good thing (obsession with Beatles’ music, wearing jeans, introduction to drugs by friends)
- Parents played exaggerated roles of subservience to their son, waiting on him and running errands. Perhaps Confucian ideals are better.

There is a humorous scene in the movie in which the father tries to purchase a Beatles album for his son but has no clue of what to look for and must return home to get more details. He carries a sketch of John Lennon back to the music store.

The director uses an unusual and creative format, having the actors and staff play themselves, and the camera pulls back to show the movie sets and stage lighting.

My students would not enjoy this movie at all even though it is based on a true story. They will not be able to identity with the main character because he has no redeeming qualities and does not show any gratitude to his parents for their love and devotion.

This movie touches upon teenage drug abuse, the generation gap, parental and children’s roles, and eastern and western culture clashes, but takes far too long to do it. Thumbs down.