Fallen City
Shubei town, southeast China, the present day. Five years after he fled with RMB 800,000 from a bank robbery, Liu Chuan returns incognito to the town. Policeman Wang Laoshi, who was on duty at the time of the robbery and was demoted for letting Liu escape, is working in the same district police station to which he was transferred after the robbery and still keeps an eye on Liu. By chance, Liu stays in some small lodgings in Wang's district where Qin Xiaosong, a psychology graduate who's run away from her domineering parents, is staying. Next day, Wang spots Liu in the street and gives chase, finally handcuffing him in a deserted warehouse. At that moment, the town is devastated by an earthquake and the building collapses. Wang is knocked unconscious and Liu steals his uniform. After rescuing Qin, Liu finds himself roped into saving other townspeople and becomes a hero in the locals' eyes. Meanwhile, Wang recovers and sets out to hunt down Liu.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a near-future China, a massive earthquake devastates a city, leaving behind a landscape of destruction and a desperate struggle for survival. Amidst the rubble, a former soldier tries to reunite with his family, facing overwhelming odds and the harsh realities of a world turned upside down. The film explores themes of loss, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of catastrophic events.
Critical Reception
Fallen City received moderate critical attention, with praise often directed at its visual effects and ambitious storytelling, though some critics found its narrative pacing uneven. Audience reception was mixed, with some appreciating its serious tone and thematic depth, while others were less engaged by its somber atmosphere.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its stunning visual representation of a post-disaster world.
- Commended for its exploration of survival and human connection amidst tragedy.
- Noted for ambitious thematic scope but sometimes criticized for pacing issues.
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Fun Fact
The film was screened at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival as part of the Directors' Fortnight sidebar.
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