Movie Digest
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is commemorating the Chinese Revolution’s 100th anniversary. The film, set in 1921, looks at the exceptional Chinese revolutionary leaders’ passion and repentance for the rise of the Chinese people, as well as the Communist Party’s early history during that volatile period.
The Feel-Good Part
Director Huang Jianxin used a modern approach to tell a solid story while also visually appealing, combining young tones with spy aspects and international perspectives. The film is organized like a spy thriller when it isn’t including what seems like dozens of historical figures. This is a natural fit, given that the majority of the protagonists were considered dangerous extremists inciting labor unrest and student protests at the time.
The Disappointing Factor
With so many characters, it’s easy to lose track of who’s who, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with Chinese politics and history. The film can be a little dry for an international audience because it is essentially a recap of significant events and people. The filmmakers presume that their audience is there to rejoice rather than learn about these events, so anyone unfamiliar with early-twentieth-century Chinese history may struggle to follow up.
In-Depth Analysis
As he contacts Mao (Wang Renjun) and follows the instruction of frequent political prisoner Chen Duxiu, Li Da (Huang Xuan) runs a small school out of his Shanghai home where he teaches communist philosophy – and this becomes the central point of the film.
Tensions mount when a foreign delegate arrives to bestow Lenin’s blessing on the party, prompting an outburst from the authorities. At certain times, 1921 resembles Zhang Yimou’s recent spy thriller Cliff Walkers. Still, the cloak-and-dagger action provides little relief from what is otherwise a procession of long, monotonous discourses on communism’s virtues.
1921 introduces each new character with their name and age printed on the screen to avoid confusion and pay homage to the significant players involved. However, none of them are given any attention in the film.
Li is devoted to his faithful wife (Ni Ni), whereas Mao is virtuous, humble, and fond of spicy food. Shanghai is the true star of the film, which comes to life anytime it depicts the city’s neon-lit cosmopolitan streets. Apart from that, there is little reason to rejoice in 1921.
Star Power
Rather than the 100-strong cast of recognized A-listers who fought for screen time a decade ago, the producers chose a cast of young, fresh-faced actors to fill these historically crucial roles. Details and emotions are used to support the characters. All of the actors are gorgeous, and the costumes are lavish.
Overall Opinion
1921 may not be a film for the general audience, but it does have a lot of excellent actors in it, both leading and supporting. If you want to learn more about the CCP, 1921 is a beautiful start.
