Movie Reviews: Another Me

1 Hrs 30 Mins

Rating

★★★

Duration

1 Hrs 30 Mins

Movie Digest

Written and directed by Gao Ke and Yang Xiaoming, Another Me (李茂换太子) is a Chinese movie under the production of New Classics Media that was released on the New Year’s Day 1st January 2022. The film recounts the story of what happens when the two individuals with similar facial features exchange not only their lifestyle but also their life positions for their varied personal interests.

The Feel-Good Part

Shot in the coastal Zhejiang province, the film secured 80.8 American million dollars in the United States currency at the box office. It heavily relies on evoking laughter in the audience through the use of slapstick comedy and farce, along with satirical techniques. The plot also shed light onto the deteriorating social conditions of individuals and their wanting to secure a stable position at the top of the pyramid.

The Disappointing Factor

Besides the perfect shots that rouse laughter time and again, it can be noted how there lacks significant character development and a moral response from the screenplay writers. The writers fail to provide a resolution to their viewerships in terms of where the plot is headed.

In-Depth Analysis

The story is set at a time when the main protagonist’s wife, Yang Jiazhen, finds a close resemblance between her husband and the Crown Prince. Although Yang Jiazhen comes from a wealthy family, it falls on the part of the husband to earn a livelihood for the family, and working as a constable, Li Mao finds it difficult on the lower hierarchy of the social ladder. The intermixing of the identities provides an insight into the complexities of the two lives, sharing the outlook.

Star Power

Seeing the elegant line-up, it adds a unique touch to the dramatic effect of the movie. The cast includes Ma Li as Yang Jia Zhen, Chang Yuan as Li Mao/ Crown Prince, Allen Ai as Father Yang, Wei Xiang as Emperor, Wang Cheng Si as Yang Ji Bao, Du Xiao Yu as Shang Shu, Chen Bing as Xi Men, Huang Cai Lun as Bu Kuai Jia, Zhang Yi Ming as Xi Men’s Butler, and Song Xiao Bao as Gong Tou.

Overall Opinion

So if you are in need of a movie to lighten your mood for the day, be sure to tune into this comedy. The interchanging of lives is also one of the spectacular reasons for the success in mainland China.