Movie Digest
An urban comedy about Lao Wu, a master of traditional techniques for bathing in entire northeast China, plans grand events to save his son-in-law, Jerry’s resort which is on the verge of getting bankrupt. He leads a group of his young friends to run service businesses around his resort in Sanya, soon entangled with the Japanese community on their way to enjoy, followed by a series of ironic events that bond these two groups together. An unknown beautiful floats across the beach who ran away from home and turned out to be the daughter of the top gangster in Japan. They experience love, friendships, familiar bonds, rivalries, tricks, and fun throughout their memorable trip. Meanwhile, defending the virtues of rivers, lakes, and seas helps understand the true meaning of life.
The Feel-Good Part
The film starts as a simple comedy but provides viewers with a small message of the necessity to protect the water bodies and freedom of choice. It also points to cultural differences between the Japanese community and the northeast group. The comedic aspects were absurd yet hilarious to watch. The acting of the older cast and the new additions were spot on as they brought silliness into the plot. Even though the story does not have surprises or twists, it still manages to entertain the audience with its amusing characters and absurd dialogues. The idea of two different cultures trying to compete and win a ridiculous competition by creating hilarious situations for one another is a fun contrast to watch. The male protagonist has a soulful character that looks after beach cleanliness, helps others in any way possible, rejuvenates the resort by providing services, and demonstrates his traditional bathing skills to young minds, which can connect with the audience. Even though the movie uses satirical comedy to bring light entertainment, it also manages to relate with the viewers in a deep sense.
The Disappointing Factor
The movie falls short in terms of smooth transitions and proper plot management. The subplots around the movie disconnected from the main plot, and it lacked editing of the integrations as well. The screenwriting lacks, as the plot progressions are just based on convenience and taken for granted. Some editorial choices are also questionable.
In-Depth Analysis
It is a sequel to the movie with the same title. The film follows a righteous and helpful man who plans to change the bankrupted resort into a revitalizing paradise but always gets touchy when bathing techniques and cultural representations are involved. Cut-throat competitions, yakuza, tour parties, beautiful landscapes, and juvenile criminals make for a chaotic and messy turn of events. The cultural showdown of the two countries and the difference between the young and old bathing techniques sparks a fierce collision which is the highlight of this movie. But in the end, it all gets resolved, and everyone involved learns a few meaningful lessons from the bathing master.
Star Power
The movie got directed by Li Chun Xiao and written by Gao Xiang. Liu Xiao Guang plays the lead role of Lao Wu in this movie with a supporting cast including Hou Ying Jeu, Elaine Wang, Chen Lu Xi, and Wang Guo Hua. It is produced by Zhu Tian-Jiao, Ding Shou-Feng, Xu Liang, and Yang Yu-Ting. Lao Hei is the cinematographer, and Li De Ming is the editor of this film.
Overall Opinion
This movie might lack in many ways but manages to make the audience laugh and enjoy while watching. Even though it might get cringe and vulgar at times, it still maintains an uplifting atmosphere. It is a risky watch but might be a fun pass-time film for the audience who are not picky about comedy movies.
