‘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 Certain In Heaven, which finds veteran screenwriter Huo Xin making her directorial debut. Hou’s credit embrace such socially revealing Sixth Era works as Zhang Yang’s habit 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 components. But this heated romance between two individuals 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 components

Certain 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 could 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 no less than in abroad markets. There’s field workplace potential at dwelling contemplating the native viewers’s confirmed urge for food for socially related upscale fare that may gasoline 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. Desperate 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 identified. Unwilling to bear in depth medical therapy, he desires to reside the remainder of his life on his personal phrases. Xiao reluctantly accepts his selection, however additional problems 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 towards ladies is usually trivialised by Chinese language society regardless of elevated authorized deterrents. As a uncommon movie to handle the problem, Certain In Heaven follows Qin Haiyan’s drama The Girl In The Storm (2023), which additionally marked the directorial debut of a feminine screenwriter. Each are set earlier than China’s Anti-Home Violence Legislation 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 surprising in the way in which that the sufferer has come to accommodate her companion’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 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 based mostly on the prospect of bodily intimacy with out concern, 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 solid within the director’s disappointing wartime drama The Flowers Of Battle (2011), however just lately got here into her personal with the hit thriller Misplaced In The Stars (2023). Her efficiency right here seamlessly reveals how Xiao positive aspects confidence by embracing downward mobility whereas dwelling off the grid and transitioning from swish finance skilled to nameless supply driver.

Certain In Heaven persistently holds consideration but sacrifices its energy when conforming to kind. A go to to Xu’s estranged dad and mom (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) allows Hou to make poignant use of the star’s songs ‘Pledge’ and ’Sky’, however evoking pop nostalgia considerably undermines the movie’s pertinent considerations.