Chinese director Wei Shujun transports us in his poignant film “Only the River Flows”, a profound artistic work that explores the twists and turns of the human soul through the majestic landscapes of the Chinese mountains. This captivating feature film invites the viewer to dive into a story rich in emotions and reflections, carried by characters as complex as they are touching. Wei Shujun offers us a unique cinematographic work, subtly mixing realism and poetry, to immerse us in an intimate and universal quest.
Wei Shujun and his Exploration of Cinematographic Genres
Wei Shujun, a talented Chinese director, has already left his mark on the world of cinema with his ability to explore a variety of film genres. From his youthful story with Run with the wind (2020), to the meta comedy of Ripples of Life (2021), Wei has demonstrated impressive versatility. His latest film, Only the River Flows, was presented in the Un Certain Regard selection in 2023 and won the jury prize at the 4th Reims Polar Police Film Festival in 2024.
Adaptation of a Literary Work
Only the River Flows is an adaptation of Yu Hua’s novella entitled Mistakes by the River, which takes place in China in the 90s. This film retains the iconoclastic character of the literary work, offering viewers a dive into a dark and vintage aesthetic. Wei Shujun does not seek to provide a perfectly crafted plot full of suspense or a social commentary explicit. On the contrary, it aims to seduce moviegoers with careful aesthetics and a deviation from the opacity of the world.
The Classic Elements of Film Noir
At first glance, all the attributes of a film noir are present in Only the River Flows :
- A small isolated village
- Of the murders and suicides
- A handsome and taciturn cop, Ma Zhe (played by Zhu Yilong)
- A hierarchy more interested in recognition than in truth
- A whimsical sidekick bringing comic moments
The night scenes shrouded in deep black and the incessant rain add a murky and intense atmosphere.
The Ambiguity of Truth and Freedom
The carefully staged film revises the characters confined in closed spaces, thus highlighting the impossible access to the truth and the obstacles to individual freedom. Particular care is taken in the staging of bodies in space, creating a theatrical background where darkness and burlesque coexist.
A Deep Reflection on Destiny
The film opens with an enigmatic scene: a child, enveloped in a vigilante cape, wanders through the narrow corridors of an abandoned building. This scene sets the tone for the rest of the film, where the only moments of freedom are by the river, the scene of all the crimes. Spatial opening up only takes place to better contemplate death.
A Disappointing Plot
The detective story of Only the River Flows turns out to be disappointing, with coincidences that allow the matter to be clarified too quickly. The motives remain unfathomable, and the image of the police state highlights its quest to showcase power. The frustration of the spectator as well as the investigator is equal to the opacity of the unfathomable destinies.
The Choice of 16mm Film
Wei Shujun chose to shoot in 16mm to give a retro feel to his film and evoke the passage of time. This technique draws attention to what remains imperceptible, creating an atmosphere of mystery and fog, like a society full of contradictions.
A Film That Defys Expectations
Only the River Flows arouses a feeling of already seen by its thematic and aesthetic choices. While things remain on the surface, they thwart expectations of political, social or psychological depth. Thanks to the restraint of its main actor and careful staging, the film exudes a nostalgic and dark charm, leaving a lasting impression.
Release date: July 10, 2024
Color : 16mm
Duration : 101 minutes
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