As winter’s grip tightens, a recent commute was soundtracked by a radio program dissecting the state of Chinese cinema in 2024. The insights of veteran film producer Wang Hongwei particularly resonated, focusing on the persistent challenge of public opinion crises faced by domestic films. He emphasized that while such issues are longstanding, a film’s inherent quality remains the most potent defense.
While agreeing with Wang Hongwei’s sentiment, one can’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for films unfairly targeted by online negativity.
Released on December 14th, “I Am What I Am 2” became the latest example. Despite achieving an impressive 8.4 rating and a place among Douban’s top-rated films, it faced a pre- and post-release onslaught of online criticism. This included the manipulation of interviews, misrepresenting the filmmakers’ intentions regarding character design, twisting behind-the-scenes anecdotes to create a false narrative of antagonism towards the audience, and even resorting to malicious photo editing of the creators and the film’s characters.
The Impact of Negative Sentiment
The damage inflicted by such negativity is undeniable. After 12 days in cinemas, “I Am What I Am 2” grossed a mere 60 million RMB. This is a disappointing figure for a film with high expectations and demonstrably high artistic merit. It leaves a feeling of profound regret, rendering words somewhat inadequate in the face of such a situation.
So, let’s engage in a candid review of “I Am What I Am 2”'s artistic achievements. Reflecting on recent cinematic experiences, this film unquestionably deserves recognition. The story of young people’s struggles, set to a hip-hop beat, evokes a sense of youthful passion. Although I may not be the film’s target demographic, I found myself moved in the cinema and invigorated upon leaving.
When a movie can evoke such feeling, it certainly hits home deeply.
This animated series faces a unique challenge: blending traditional cultural elements with contemporary urban life, presenting both familiar artistic concepts as novel.
- Representing Traditional Culture: Films have been exploring kung fu and the lion dance so frequently that making the traditional seem modern in film language and animated art is a challenge.
- Depicting City Life: Film-makers need to think about how large a part does literalism play. Do things need to be one-to-one accurate to really have a grasp on this urban life?
Finding an equilibrium between literal and free portrayal becomes one of this series core appeals.
Realism vs. Idealism
Compared to the first installment, which leaned towards the idealistic, “I Am What I Am 2” takes a step further down the path of realism.
The plot revolves around the dichotomy of “real kung fu” versus “fake moves.” The protagonist, Ah Juan, transitioning into a working-class migrant in the city, participates in a rigged boxing match, then later defeats his opponents with true strength. The film portrays his pursuit of “real” power in the boxing ring and how an average person handles life authentically.
Moving the setting directly to Shanghai, the film dispenses with romantic elements like fields of kapok flowers or rooftop dances. Instead, we see cramped apartments, dilapidated boxing gyms, and overgrown abandoned yards. This starkly contrasts with the glamorous image of Shanghai, but accurately depicts the city as seen through the eyes of migrant workers like Ah Juan, Ah Mao, and Ah Gou.
Bitter Sweetness
Showcasing life’s mix of joy and sorrow is a distinctive feature of the “I Am What I Am” series. In the first film, Ah Juan’s successful Caicing is followed by seeing the girl he likes with someone. Similarly, in this installment, setbacks frequently occur after small winds, mirroring the volatile reality of the protagonists that resonates deeply with the viewing audience. This sense of constant instability adds a realistic pain to Ah Juan’s journey.
Having discussed more serious elements, let us next examine some of the more dynamic aspects of “I Am What I Am 2”.
Compared to its predecessor, what follows is the more traditional and essence of Wuxia.
Neo-Wuxia
Ah Juan naturally adopts the aura of a young Wong Fei-hung . A series of people connected through kung fu serve as the ensemble supporting each other. Every individual in the film is revealed to be a fighter as their fires have been stoked again by Ah Juan.
Drawing on the parallels to the mistreatment of the film in online discourse, one can only but feel for the treatment of creators.
More Than Just a Movie
The spirit of perseverance displayed in “I Am What I Am 2” are indeed present in Wuxia films still this day.
Some people mention “I Am What I Am 2” departs from lion dancing as Kung Fu elements are present. In tradition, Lion Dance, Martial Arts, are intertwined.
As a domestic film leaning towards realism that has unfortunately stirred some sensitive discussion, reflecting the difficulties encountered by films in the international context and the multiple levels of difficulties facing creators when expressing, “I Am What I Am 2” shares the same experience as Ah Juan in the film.
Time Will Tell
Time will be the judge of quality, “I Am What I Am 2” is about an transcendent emotion and how it elevates the ordinary. Furthermore, he has to be true to himself and be worthy of his relationships with his friends, family, and mentors.
Film Will Grow
As a film, “I Am What I Am 2” can grow side by side with its audience. Using Ah Juan’s journey to demonstrate, “I Am What I Am 2” reveals it’s own story. A match is a win or lose. In light of the current state and troubles of Chinese film, critics need to hold true to their heart and be united.
Opening to external and diverse ideas, we as a country hold on to traditions from martial arts, lion dance, and in future dragon boat racing.
“遇强则强”, The Spirit of being able to handle anything makes “I Am What I Am 2” worthwhile.
This film will survive, and let us brace it.
