As a big fan of Liu Cixin's work, I was once again excited going in as much as I was with the first (just started watching the TV version of Three Body). The previous movie left me disappointed, but optimism and the first time popcorn was available in a Chinese theater after THREE YEARS of COVID restrictions, I was ready to be impressed! The seats even had massaging pads, yippee!
This review is by an American living in Shanghai. I state this as I find it frustrating to see a site like IMBD taken over by reviewers who seem bent on pushing a narrative - all 10/10's, glowing reviews about China's victory over Hollywood cliches. This site typically offers differing perspectives; often challenging my own view. But, it is off-putting when hijacked by ultranationalism - nearly all are single-reviews, looking like spam. I would like to see Chinese movies succeed as much as American - I'm a movie buff. I also really enjoy seeing the country I reside in on the big screen - in dystopian situations and global disasters, as much as seeing the US and other parts of the world. Reading the Chinese subtitles gives insight to what the non-native Chinese say on screen and how it is translated to the audience. Let me break down my score below. Initially, it was an eight. But, after segmenting, the score was left at a 7.
10/10 Effects The Wandering Earth II's main attraction was the effects. Incredible. I wasn't impressed with Avatar - please don't hate! As much because it was similar to watching a video game. But, this had a very real feel to it - though science would probably disagree. I happily detach myself from reality to enjoy a big-action, sci-fi romp popcorn flick. Bringing to life the space-elevator, which I struggled to imagine in print was a feat unto itself. Major step up for Chinese sci-fi and blockbusters to come.
7.5/10 Characters The first movie was a disappointment as the characters were so unlikable. Wu Jing's (once called the Sly Stallone of Chinese action - a bit of a stretch) character was the only one I cared to see if he lived or died. The prequel did a better job. Both Andy Lau's character - multifaceted, almost an anti-hero and his daughter did an exceptional job. Really enjoyed Teacher Ma, his mentor, as well. Seeing Wu Jing, a 50-year-old act like he was fourteen, swooning over a fellow astronaut was just weird. The object of his affection was supposed to be a tough lead, but he treated her like a damsel in distress throughout. Their storyline was over-extended - way too sentimental, distracting from the movie's energy. No other real female roles minus a wooden spokeswoman.
4/10 Non-Chinese characters This deserves its own section as it was painfully bad. Awful dubbing followed by ridiculous voice-overs were big distractions. Not sure why this was necessary. The acting was in general cartoonish - the Indian scientist at the beginning dropping f-bombs (though without in the Chinese subtitles); gravelly-voiced English-speaking white guy (covering North America/Europe) of some nationality ranting and raving about China; most black actors crying or acting comedically hysterical. Having been in bit commercials and TV shows over here, I know that non-Chinese are available and talent isn't a concern. I was one of the talentless, but enjoyed my time as a low-budget Bruce Willis :)
7/10 Storyline While there's a great story to be told, there was just way too much being squeezed into a single movie. With countless voiceovers - especially towards the end, explaining what was happening was heavy on the TELL, and little on the SHOW. Again, believe this is because there was just too much. It really deserved to be separated into two works. An early attack by a terrorist organization that wanted a 'digital future' as opposed to moving the earth forward could have been better implemented. Cartoonish. The last thirty minutes required so much narrative explanation that by the time the credits arrived, I was ready to split. Even an employee's statement, "Sir, there's after credit scenes, please return to your seat," we decided we had enough.
6/Emotion Factor The Chinese audience prefers the overly sentimental - this was apparent. A number of soldiers sacrificing themselves was quite moving. BUT, the movie ignored the fact that half the population were to be 'sacrificed' as the underground shelters had only enough room for half the population. Hard to feel moved by 300 soldiers giving it up when half the planet is thinking, "Well, no one even gave us a choice." Wu Jing's wife losing her battle with cancer drove home one of the consequences of the earth's deteriorating relationship with the moon, but it moved the story into a drama, removing us from the bigger picture. Way too many scenes could have been reduced by 90%, but meant to pull at our hearts, the piano keys tapped longer than necessary. Also, in regards to the jokes/humorous bits - I was the only non-Chinese in the theater and at no point during the movie did anyone laugh. I don't think it reflects on a boring audience, just flat jokes - just didn't fit the darker story.
8/Politics In regards to being overly political - honestly, as an American who grew up in the seventies and eighties - when the US led the way in all things Hollywood, living in China, but as the constant outsider, I didn't see enough to distract from the film. Sure, it was a bit heavy in the 'Unity' and 'duty above all else', which may be in reference to China's handling of COVID. But, China is also a collective society as opposed to an individual one more often found in the US. China and Russia buddy-buddy, the US taking on a side role, one that could be seen as a bit of the protagonist? Yes, obvious. Though, it wasn't necessarily sinister, just showing another perspective. The Party leading the way? Well, it wasn't directly stated, but was pretty clear - it seemed the old man who was a central figure, could be seen somewhat as The Party's role as leader and caretaker. Again, no more than how many US movies depict democracy (though typically not a specific party).
5/Reviews on this site Seeing this site flooded with reviewers amping up the, "China is showing the US", making it a weird competition that the former must win. "This is so much better...Marvel only knows the solo hero...no mixture of people coming together...not like China" comes across as forced and not overly realistic. The Avengers is plural for a reason. Every walk of life makes up the group - even the non-human kind. "American movies have become cliched...best sci-fi ever!" drown out honest reviews - not that many American movies aren't cliched, of course, but it ignores the diversity of films shown in the US. An extraordinarily small number are shown in China, typically only of the blockbuster variety, limiting audience exposure. The reaction over here to a NYTimes review shows how sensitive to criticsm many continue to be.
7.5/10 Innovative Did the director take inspiration from other sci-fi directors? Of course. Though I believe it is more about paying homage than copying. Serious Michael Bay - Armageddon vibes when they showed people from around the world listening to reports/seeing fireballs striking the earth. Heck, even at one point a main character was going to single-handedly blow up the moon with a detonator - Bruce Willis in another dimension. Hollywood with Chinese characteristics - nothing wrong with that. The cinematic universe is a large place - the more variety the better. Then there is 2001, A Space Odyssey and Hal vs. MOSS in this and the original Wandering Earth. But, plenty of new tech was introduced as was the theme of a digitalized future vs a wandering earth. They explored the pros and cons of each. Perhaps, unrealistic, but it is sci fi and fun to explore.
China's cinema continues to improve, though certain elements have kept it from offering more. An over-abundance of nationalistic films and denial of films beyond its borders - alongside the standard strict, yet vague censorship, has made the Chinese audience hungry for more than the past three years have provided. Perhaps naive, but I believe with the end of COVID restrictions, another corner is being turned, one that will offer better films not just from the Mainland, but allowing for greater variety from beyond.
This review is by an American living in Shanghai. I state this as I find it frustrating to see a site like IMBD taken over by reviewers who seem bent on pushing a narrative - all 10/10's, glowing reviews about China's victory over Hollywood cliches. This site typically offers differing perspectives; often challenging my own view. But, it is off-putting when hijacked by ultranationalism - nearly all are single-reviews, looking like spam. I would like to see Chinese movies succeed as much as American - I'm a movie buff. I also really enjoy seeing the country I reside in on the big screen - in dystopian situations and global disasters, as much as seeing the US and other parts of the world. Reading the Chinese subtitles gives insight to what the non-native Chinese say on screen and how it is translated to the audience. Let me break down my score below. Initially, it was an eight. But, after segmenting, the score was left at a 7.
10/10 Effects The Wandering Earth II's main attraction was the effects. Incredible. I wasn't impressed with Avatar - please don't hate! As much because it was similar to watching a video game. But, this had a very real feel to it - though science would probably disagree. I happily detach myself from reality to enjoy a big-action, sci-fi romp popcorn flick. Bringing to life the space-elevator, which I struggled to imagine in print was a feat unto itself. Major step up for Chinese sci-fi and blockbusters to come.
7.5/10 Characters The first movie was a disappointment as the characters were so unlikable. Wu Jing's (once called the Sly Stallone of Chinese action - a bit of a stretch) character was the only one I cared to see if he lived or died. The prequel did a better job. Both Andy Lau's character - multifaceted, almost an anti-hero and his daughter did an exceptional job. Really enjoyed Teacher Ma, his mentor, as well. Seeing Wu Jing, a 50-year-old act like he was fourteen, swooning over a fellow astronaut was just weird. The object of his affection was supposed to be a tough lead, but he treated her like a damsel in distress throughout. Their storyline was over-extended - way too sentimental, distracting from the movie's energy. No other real female roles minus a wooden spokeswoman.
4/10 Non-Chinese characters This deserves its own section as it was painfully bad. Awful dubbing followed by ridiculous voice-overs were big distractions. Not sure why this was necessary. The acting was in general cartoonish - the Indian scientist at the beginning dropping f-bombs (though without in the Chinese subtitles); gravelly-voiced English-speaking white guy (covering North America/Europe) of some nationality ranting and raving about China; most black actors crying or acting comedically hysterical. Having been in bit commercials and TV shows over here, I know that non-Chinese are available and talent isn't a concern. I was one of the talentless, but enjoyed my time as a low-budget Bruce Willis :)
7/10 Storyline While there's a great story to be told, there was just way too much being squeezed into a single movie. With countless voiceovers - especially towards the end, explaining what was happening was heavy on the TELL, and little on the SHOW. Again, believe this is because there was just too much. It really deserved to be separated into two works. An early attack by a terrorist organization that wanted a 'digital future' as opposed to moving the earth forward could have been better implemented. Cartoonish. The last thirty minutes required so much narrative explanation that by the time the credits arrived, I was ready to split. Even an employee's statement, "Sir, there's after credit scenes, please return to your seat," we decided we had enough.
6/Emotion Factor The Chinese audience prefers the overly sentimental - this was apparent. A number of soldiers sacrificing themselves was quite moving. BUT, the movie ignored the fact that half the population were to be 'sacrificed' as the underground shelters had only enough room for half the population. Hard to feel moved by 300 soldiers giving it up when half the planet is thinking, "Well, no one even gave us a choice." Wu Jing's wife losing her battle with cancer drove home one of the consequences of the earth's deteriorating relationship with the moon, but it moved the story into a drama, removing us from the bigger picture. Way too many scenes could have been reduced by 90%, but meant to pull at our hearts, the piano keys tapped longer than necessary. Also, in regards to the jokes/humorous bits - I was the only non-Chinese in the theater and at no point during the movie did anyone laugh. I don't think it reflects on a boring audience, just flat jokes - just didn't fit the darker story.
8/Politics In regards to being overly political - honestly, as an American who grew up in the seventies and eighties - when the US led the way in all things Hollywood, living in China, but as the constant outsider, I didn't see enough to distract from the film. Sure, it was a bit heavy in the 'Unity' and 'duty above all else', which may be in reference to China's handling of COVID. But, China is also a collective society as opposed to an individual one more often found in the US. China and Russia buddy-buddy, the US taking on a side role, one that could be seen as a bit of the protagonist? Yes, obvious. Though, it wasn't necessarily sinister, just showing another perspective. The Party leading the way? Well, it wasn't directly stated, but was pretty clear - it seemed the old man who was a central figure, could be seen somewhat as The Party's role as leader and caretaker. Again, no more than how many US movies depict democracy (though typically not a specific party).
5/Reviews on this site Seeing this site flooded with reviewers amping up the, "China is showing the US", making it a weird competition that the former must win. "This is so much better...Marvel only knows the solo hero...no mixture of people coming together...not like China" comes across as forced and not overly realistic. The Avengers is plural for a reason. Every walk of life makes up the group - even the non-human kind. "American movies have become cliched...best sci-fi ever!" drown out honest reviews - not that many American movies aren't cliched, of course, but it ignores the diversity of films shown in the US. An extraordinarily small number are shown in China, typically only of the blockbuster variety, limiting audience exposure. The reaction over here to a NYTimes review shows how sensitive to criticsm many continue to be.
7.5/10 Innovative Did the director take inspiration from other sci-fi directors? Of course. Though I believe it is more about paying homage than copying. Serious Michael Bay - Armageddon vibes when they showed people from around the world listening to reports/seeing fireballs striking the earth. Heck, even at one point a main character was going to single-handedly blow up the moon with a detonator - Bruce Willis in another dimension. Hollywood with Chinese characteristics - nothing wrong with that. The cinematic universe is a large place - the more variety the better. Then there is 2001, A Space Odyssey and Hal vs. MOSS in this and the original Wandering Earth. But, plenty of new tech was introduced as was the theme of a digitalized future vs a wandering earth. They explored the pros and cons of each. Perhaps, unrealistic, but it is sci fi and fun to explore.
China's cinema continues to improve, though certain elements have kept it from offering more. An over-abundance of nationalistic films and denial of films beyond its borders - alongside the standard strict, yet vague censorship, has made the Chinese audience hungry for more than the past three years have provided. Perhaps naive, but I believe with the end of COVID restrictions, another corner is being turned, one that will offer better films not just from the Mainland, but allowing for greater variety from beyond.