Long Day's Journey into Night

Long Day's Journey into Night is a 2021 Chinese drama film directed by Bi Gan, known for his visually striking and dreamlike storytelling style. The movie follows the complex and introspective journey of Luo Hongwu, played by Teng Hongcheng, as he reluctantly returns to his hometown of Kaili after many years of absence. Luo Hongwu's reasons for leaving Kaili are shrouded in mystery, but the memories of a woman he once loved and lost remain deeply etched in his mind. The film begins with Luo Hongwu's arrival in Kaili, a place that seems unchanged despite the passing of time. He is immediately enveloped in a series of nostalgic flashbacks and daydreams that blur the lines between his past and present. As Luo Hongwu sets out to search for the woman, referred to only as 'Shi'er yuanjia,' his encounters with the townspeople spark a mix of emotions within him. The locals are curious about the stranger who has returned, but Luo Hongwu finds himself withdrawn and detached, lost in his own world of memories. The film's non-linear narrative structure, characteristic of Bi Gan's style, defies traditional storytelling conventions. Scenes from different time periods are intertwined, creating a sense of disorientation and confusion that mirrors Luo Hongwu's own disjointed mental state. The use of long takes and subtle camera movements also contributes to the dreamlike atmosphere, immersing the viewer in Luo Hongwu's inner world. Through a series of fragmented encounters and reminiscences, we piece together the story of Luo Hongwu's past and his relationship with Shi'er yuanjia. We see glimpses of a romantic partnership that was cut short by circumstance, and the lingering emotional wounds that have haunted Luo Hongwu ever since. Shi'er yuanjia, played by Zeng Meowei, is an enigmatic figure, her presence both captivating and elusive. Her character is shrouded in mystery, and even her existence is subject to the vagaries of memory and imagination. Luo Hongwu's memories of her are laced with a sense of nostalgia and longing, and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that his inability to forget her has become a defining aspect of his life. Throughout the film, Bi Gan's cinematography captures the atmospheric beauty of Kaili, a town frozen in time. The streets, buildings, and landscapes seem to hold the memories of the past, and the camera lingers on these details, hinting at the historical and cultural context that underpins the narrative. As Luo Hongwu's search for Shi'er yuanjia deepens, so too does his confrontation with his own past. He is drawn into a complex web of memories, relationships, and emotions that define his identity. The film's title, Long Day's Journey into Night, is a nod to Eugene O'Neill's classic play, but also alludes to the idea of a journey through the depths of one's own psyche. Luo Hongwu's odyssey is marked by a mix of introspection, melancholy, and a deep sense of longing. His inability to reconnect with the past, and specifically with Shi'er yuanjia, serves as a metaphor for the impermanence of relationships and the fragility of human memory. Ultimately, Long Day's Journey into Night is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time. The film's dreamlike narrative, coupled with Bi Gan's distinctive cinematography and the performances of the cast, creates a rich and immersive world that lingers in the viewer's imagination long after the credits roll. As Luo Hongwu's journey comes full circle, the film's haunting conclusion offers a powerful reflection on the human experience and the enduring power of memory.