Movie Digest
The setting of the movie was during the one-child era in China. This ensemble film is about the ups and downs of three youngsters and friends, Xining, Li, and Sui, from Xining, the capital of Qinghai, which is on the border with Tibet.
The Feel-Good Part
The cinematography of the film is beautiful. It gives us an insight into the challenges and contradictions young adults faced during this era in China.
The Disappointing Factor
The themes of the film are predictable and stale. It makes the almost 3-hour movie a bit challenging.
In-Depth Analysis
The title Great Happiness is a big contradiction to the storyline. We can see the pressure and struggles people go through during this era. This film gives a serious message about the capitalist state of China. The three young men face challenges such as the difficulties of achieving personal ambitions, the responsibility of supporting a big family, and the overwhelming pressure to succeed. Li is a construction contractor. He is ready to marry and plans on using his parent’s savings to fulfill his wealthy desires. Sui is an architect who will help Li with the government permissions and finances. Sui does not follow the current home trends of homogenizing the appearances of the cities. Xining is under pressure to have a child as he has been married for four years. Anxieties and personal stories of three friends unfold in a chain of tragic events. It sets in this ever-changing city in a society where materialism reigns and large-scale urbanization has transformed the beautiful landscape of the Tibetan plateau into an endless series of skyscrapers.
Star Power
All characters in this movie have played a vital role in emphasizing the struggle and emotion of the story.
Overall Opinion
It is a good movie that gave voice to youngsters’ struggles in China. Highly recommend checking this movie out!
