UPSTREAM (逆行人生) (2024)

Genre: Drama
Director: Xu Zheng
Cast: Xu Zheng, Xin Zhilei, Wang Xiao, Jia Bing, Feng Bing, Ding Yongdai, Chen Halin, Wu Jiakai, Liu Meihan, Yu Hewei, Huang Xiaolei, Ma Dong, Liang Jing
Runtime: 2 hrs 1 min
Rating: PG13 (Some Coarse Language & Disturbing Scenes)
Released By: Golden Village Pictures
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 12 September 2024

Synopsis: Once the pride of his family, Gao Zhilei veers off his life's intended path under the crushing weight of reality. To top it off, a rush decision of becoming a delivery guy leads to a series of unforeseen challenges, compelling him to confront himself once more. As Gao Zhilei navigates the bustling streets and alleys of the city, he encounters a band of friends, forming deep bonds and experiencing the highs and lows of human connection. Through this challenging journey of self-discovery, he gradually rediscovers the courage and conviction lost along the way, and more importantly, a new direction in life. 

Movie Review:

Depending on what you work as to earn your keep, your reaction to this Chinese movie may differ. As someone who works as an administrator in a corporate environment, there are moments in this 121 minute film where this writer cannot fully empathise - simply because what’s portrayed on screen is not a life he leads. He is referring to the everyday experiences of delivery riders that are getting the spotlight in this movie directed by Xu Zheng.

Besides helming the drama, Xu also plays Gao Zhilei, the protagonist of the movie. A middle aged programmer who is suddenly asked to leave his competitive job, Zhilei tries his very best to look for other similar jobs that pay well. Despite his credentials, the market just isn’t kind to someone who is in his 40s because there is fresh blood out there who may be able to do your job at half the speed, and half the salary.

The series of awkward and embarrassing scenarios that Zhilei goes through struck a chord with this writer because it Is a stark reminder that no one is irreplaceable at a workplace. Back to the plot – Zhilei finds himself in a very tight spot because he needs the money to feed his family. It sure doesn’t help that there are plans to send his daughter to an international school. You’d expect the plot to go further to make Zhilei’s life more difficult – his elderly father suddenly gets admitted to the hospital, and medical fees are piling up. Want more drama? Together as a couple, Zhilei and his wife agreed that the man of the house will be the sole breadwinner of the house. This means that trying to keep the family afloat is going to be a gargantuan task.

Now, we come to the focus of the movie where Zhilei becomes a scooter riding deliver guy. Although we do have the occasional dramas and accidents involving delivery riders in Singapore, you can only imagine what it’s like to be on in China. Throughout the movie, you can see the adrenaline rush unfold, and feel the need for speed when countless delivery drivers set off for the day, trying their best to complete their tasks in time before someone posts a bad review.

And it is this round the clock madness that makes good drama, given Zhilei’s previous deskbound job. He meets different characters and crosses paths with each of their unique traits. While the different personalities are very much what you’d expect from a drama about a guy trying to blend in with his workmates, the performances are strong enough to keep you engaged throughout the two hour runtime.

You can also predict how the Zhilei’s story arc is going to turn out, but you go along for the ride because his tale is an uplifting one, and you want to root for the guy till the end. Credit goes to Xu for being able to direct the film and play the lead role at the same time. You’ll walk out of the cinema feeling encouraged and believing that all odds can be overcome.

Movie Rating:

(Strong performances and an engaging story make this uplifting movie is a ride worth going along for.)

Review by John Li