Movie Digest
Yang Guo, a teenager who lives with her aunt, is in a pickle after witnessing her friend’s accident. The girl gradually obtained the nebulous consciousness of a woman during the summer, learning to face life, face herself, and grow up as she struggled to flee the small city.
The Feel-Good Part
Fantastic teenage performances and delicate photography by Peter Pan make this one of the festival’s most gorgeous films.
Tian Huang, a first-time actress, makes an impression as the emotionally troubled, clever adolescent with keen senses. The film, shot with a hand-held camera, captures the restless energy of an aware adolescent who is constantly challenged by the state of events.
Disappointing Factor
Because the film’s pacing is a touch sloppy, the audience may find it difficult to maintain their focus at all times. The film is hazy because it isn’t sure if it wants to follow the rules or not. There’s a lot of unfamiliar – or at least different depictions of known – material in here, but it also has a few overly generic characters.
Not a perfect coming-of-age story, but a thematically significant – if a little flat on one of its most essential issues – and at least entertaining picture, as well as a closer and more careful look at a place you don’t often get to see. It makes it all the more special through the eyes of a child.
In-Depth Analysis
Guo, who lives with a greedy cousin, an always-tired aunt, and her family, is thirteen years old and wishes to move to Shanghai with her freshly wedded mother. Guo flees the scene in astonishment when a friend drowns while playing by the river. Yu, who likes Guo, is aware that she was present on that day, but Yu’s adoration makes Guo uneasy. Summer Blur is a coming-of-age narrative about a young girl approaching puberty. Guo joins the adult world through a series of experiences that a thirteen-year-old cannot possibly bear, having been neglected by a careless mother and living with an unfriendly aunt. In a quiet and reserved style, director Han Shuai conveys the strongminded Guo who transcends age, class, and gender discrimination.
Star Power
Huang Tian, a young actress, is a fantastic find, presenting Guo as someone who is always thinking, always assessing the situation. Guo’s pain is also communicated, including being abandoned by her mother, being neglected by her aunt and uncle, being ridiculed by her cousin, and lastly, her guilt for Xioman’s death. She’s constantly at odds with herself, attempting to acquire independence without losing herself.
Overall Opinion
The graphics of Han Shuai are delicate and real to the touch. Summer Blur is a story about growing up and learning to understand how life can change your situation. Shuai’s profound close-ups peer into Yang Guo’s eyes as the backdrop transports you to another era. A truly great debut.
