Meili (China, 2018) review

This time, you made a big mistake."

Director: ZHOU Zhou
Screenplay: Yun Chi, ZHOU Zhou
Cast: Yun Chi, Wang Limin, Zhou Meiyan, Li Shuangyu.

The director, screenwriter and editor ZHOU Zhou explains that the film explores the features of human selfishness through the story of the main character Meili. A journey through the frustration and desolation of urban loneliness in such a real plot that it hurts.

Meili is an unfortunate young woman. She was abandoned by her parents and has a complicated relationship with her sister and brother-in-law, who constantly harass her for money. To get away from all that, Meili wants to go with her girlfriend, Li Wen, to Shanghai, where she will spend time living for work. After a strong argument between the two, Li Wen decides to leave all alone. Meili will meet new friends, more deceptions will come and life will not make it easy for her from now on.

Meili's struggles and efforts never seem to be resolved or rewarded. The hostility of society pushes her again and again to plunge into hatred and despair, being unable to live a normal life. Meili offers us a tour de force on frustration and loss when everything seems to turn against you. An excellent script written perfectly by the director and the lead actress herself.

At a visual level, the film has a heartbreaking tone, with a photograph very close to the documentary, which raises the rawness of the drama and gives it a high level of realism. In the words of its director:

"I used a realistic photography to reveal the sad existence of the characters. The key to connecting reality and drama was the acting of the lead actress. That was our biggest challenge. I feel very fortunate to have met Chi Yun, a young outstanding talent. Her brilliant performance has brought the film to life "

As its director says, actress Chi Yun performs a huge interpretation in the film, of an overwhelming depth and realism, which gave her several awards for best leading actress in various festivals. We had not seen so much force in creating a character for a long time. Awesome.

The absence of a soundtrack gives the film an extra realism creating a disturbing atmosphere thanks to the daily sounds, the noisy city and the silences broken by the cries of our protagonist. An excellent sound work to capture all the nuances that surround the young Meili.

In short, we are facing an author film with a lot of personality, a very crude and defeatist drama about selfishness and lack of empathy about people who suffer. An excellent production and pace rhythm, Meili deserves all our applause.

The best: Without a doubt Chi Yun.
The rawness of its images and its photography.

The worst: If you don't like independent cinema and drama, run away.

TRAILER