‘Bound In Heaven’: San Sebastian Review

Dir/scr: Huo Xin. China. 2024. 109 minutes

Home violence, terminal sickness and the pursuit of freedom are subjects explored in Sure In Heaven, which finds veteran screenwriter Huo Xin making her directorial debut. Hou’s credit embrace such socially revealing Sixth Technology works as Zhang Yang’s dependancy drama Quitting (2001) and Zhang Yibai’s class-conscious noir Curiosity Killed The Cat (2006). Now, her adaptation of a novel by Li Xiuwen echoes that auteur-driven period of Chinese language cinema in that it grapples with troublesome points by filtering particular person experiences by means of style parts. But this heated romance between two folks from reverse ends of the financial spectrum is extra akin to current indies like Wang Jing’s journalism drama The Greatest Is But To Come (2020) and Wei Shujun’s police procedural Solely The River Flows (2023) in straddling the shifting line between art-house authenticity and industrial viability. 

Grapples with troublesome points by filtering particular person experiences by means of style parts

Sure in Heaven acquired its world premiere at TIFF and can make its European bow at San Sebastian. Audiences are more likely to be startled by the unflinching method by which the movie depicts the dynamics of an abusive relationship, however might finally really feel underwhelmed by the tear-jerking trajectory taken in its sentimental second half. Nonetheless, dedicated performances and technical polish ought to guarantee streaming play at the least in abroad markets. There’s field workplace potential at residence contemplating the native viewers’s confirmed urge for food for socially related upscale fare that may gas on-line dialogue.

Occasions begin in Shanghai circa 2010, with funding skilled Xiao Yo (Ni Ni) engaged to the rich Music (Liao Fan) who torments her bodily and psychologically. Desirous to attend a sold-out live performance by beloved pop diva Faye Wong, Xiao’s quest for a ticket leads her to sympathetic scalper Xu Zitai (Zhou You) with their instantaneous connection leading to an impulsive one-night stand. Eight months later, Xiao unexpectedly runs into Xu throughout a enterprise journey to Wuhan the place he now runs a small noodle store. Drawn to him, she resolves to go away her previous life behind.

However beginning over is just not that easy. Xu is affected by a uncommon most cancers which had already unfold by means of his physique by the point it was recognized. Unwilling to endure intensive medical remedy, he needs to reside the remainder of his life on his personal phrases. Xiao reluctantly accepts his selection, however additional issues ensue when Music tracks her down and units about intimidating Xu. Within the aftermath of a messy confrontation, the lovers discover themselves on the run.

The issue of home violence in opposition to ladies is usually trivialised by Chinese language society regardless of elevated authorized deterrents. As a uncommon movie to handle the problem, Sure In Heaven follows Qin Haiyan’s drama The Lady In The Storm (2023), which additionally marked the directorial debut of a feminine screenwriter. Each are set earlier than China’s Anti-Home Violence Regulation took impact in March 2016 however whereas Qin centered on a real-life case and the insufficient authorized measures of the early 2010s, Huo locations an emphasis on overcoming psychological trauma after escape. But Huo’s temporary depiction of abuse is stunning in the way in which that the sufferer has come to accommodate her associate’s aggressive urges: when Music prepares to privately assault Xiao throughout a cocktail party, she calmly warns him, “Don’t smear my make-up, our friends are nonetheless right here.”

Liao’s efficiency because the controlling fiancée is billed as a ‘particular look’ resulting from restricted display screen time, however encapsulates the entitlement of serial abusers by means of a subtly domineering verbal method and physique language. It additionally informs how Xiao turns into compulsively besotted with Xu regardless of their floor variations. Their bond is at first primarily based on the prospect of bodily intimacy with out worry, however quickly grows into one thing deeper as his quickly worsening situation sees her assume the roles of protector and caregiver. Zhang Yimou discovery Ni was tipped for stardom when forged within the director’s disappointing wartime drama The Flowers Of Battle (2011), however lately got here into her personal with the hit thriller Misplaced In The Stars (2023). Her efficiency right here seamlessly exhibits how Xiao beneficial properties confidence by embracing downward mobility whereas dwelling off the grid and transitioning from swish finance skilled to nameless supply driver.

Sure In Heaven persistently holds consideration but sacrifices its energy when conforming to kind. A go to to Xu’s estranged mother and father (Xiao Lixin and Zhai Tao) touches on how rural poverty impacts the household unit, however cinematographer Piao Songri celebrates the pure environment as a part of Xiao’s revitalisation. This liberating sense of isolation is emphasised by a sensuous digital rating from ZHI16 and radiax. Bookending this inevitably fleeting romance with the Shanghai and Chongqing dates of Faye Wang’s Comeback Tour (2010-12) permits Hou to make poignant use of the star’s songs ‘Pledge’ and ’Sky’, however evoking pop nostalgia considerably undermines the movie’s pertinent issues.