Looking Up ( 2019 )

Looking Up (2019): A Touching Exploration of Resilience and Father-Son Bonds

Looking Up (Chinese title: 银河补习班; pinyin: Yínhé Bǔxíbān), released in 2019, is a Chinese drama film co-directed by Deng Chao and Yu Baimei. It's a heartwarming and often heartbreaking story of a father who believes fiercely in his son's potential, even when everyone else has given up on him. The film explores themes of unconventional education, unwavering parental love, and the power of resilience in the face of societal pressures and personal tragedy. While rooted in a specific cultural context, the film's universal themes resonate with audiences worldwide, making it a compelling and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.

Synopsis

The film spans several years, focusing on the relationship between Ma Haowen (Deng Chao), an engineer and former structural engineer, and his son, Ma Fei (Sun Xilun/Bai Yu). The story begins in the present, with Ma Fei facing expulsion from his high school due to his consistently poor grades and perceived lack of academic potential. The headmaster, Yan Shubiao, sees Ma Fei as a lost cause and argues for his removal to maintain the school's reputation. However, Ma Haowen, against all odds, makes a bet with the headmaster: if Ma Fei can achieve a top ten ranking in the city-wide exams within a semester, he will be allowed to stay. The film then flashes back to Ma Fei's childhood, revealing the events that shaped their unique bond and Ma Haowen's unconventional approach to parenting.

Ma Haowen was once a celebrated structural engineer, instrumental in designing a crucial bridge. However, a tragic accident occurs when the bridge collapses, leading to significant loss of life. He is wrongly blamed for the disaster and imprisoned, severely impacting his and Ma Fei’s lives. During his time in prison, Ma Haowen remains committed to his son’s development, encouraging him to think critically, explore his interests, and never give up on his dreams. He instills in Ma Fei a sense of self-belief and an unyielding spirit.

After his release from prison, Ma Haowen finds himself ostracized and struggling to rebuild his life. Despite the challenges, he dedicates himself to helping Ma Fei, who is now struggling academically. Ma Haowen's methods are unorthodox, focusing on fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning rather than rote memorization. He takes Ma Fei on adventures, encourages him to observe the world around him, and teaches him to think for himself. He challenges the traditional educational system, believing it stifles creativity and individuality.

Throughout the film, the audience witnesses Ma Haowen's unwavering belief in Ma Fei's potential, even when Ma Fei himself doubts his abilities. He constantly encourages Ma Fei to pursue his passions, which eventually lead him to discover his talent for aviation. The film culminates in Ma Fei's crucial exams, where he demonstrates his intelligence and determination, ultimately proving the headmaster wrong. The film also circles back to the present, revealing Ma Fei's ultimate success as an astronaut, a testament to his father's unwavering belief and unconventional guidance.

Themes

Looking Up delves into several profound themes:

• Unconditional Parental Love: The film's central theme revolves around the powerful bond between a father and son. Ma Haowen's love for Ma Fei is unwavering, even in the face of adversity. He sacrifices everything for his son's well-being and believes in his potential when no one else does.
• Unconventional Education: The film critiques the traditional, exam-oriented education system, highlighting its limitations in fostering creativity and individuality. Ma Haowen champions an alternative approach, emphasizing critical thinking, practical application of knowledge, and the pursuit of personal interests.
• Resilience and Perseverance: Both Ma Haowen and Ma Fei demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of hardship. Ma Haowen endures unjust imprisonment and social stigma, while Ma Fei overcomes academic challenges and societal expectations. Their ability to persevere is a testament to the power of the human spirit.
• Challenging Societal Expectations: The film questions societal norms and expectations, particularly regarding academic success and career paths. Ma Haowen encourages Ma Fei to defy these expectations and pursue his own dreams, even if they deviate from the conventional path.
• The Importance of Belief: Ma Haowen's unwavering belief in Ma Fei's potential is a driving force behind the latter's success. The film underscores the importance of having someone who believes in you, even when you doubt yourself.
• Redemption and Justice: While the film primarily focuses on the father-son relationship, the underlying narrative of Ma Haowen's wrongful imprisonment and subsequent redemption also plays a significant role. The film subtly hints at the complexities of justice and the challenges of clearing one's name.

Characters

The characters in Looking Up are well-developed and relatable, each contributing to the film's overall emotional impact.

• Ma Haowen (Deng Chao): The devoted and unconventional father who believes in his son's potential above all else. He is a complex character, burdened by his past but determined to provide a better future for Ma Fei.
• Ma Fei (Sun Xilun/Bai Yu): The son who initially struggles academically but possesses hidden potential. He is influenced by his father's unconventional methods and eventually discovers his passion for aviation. Sun Xilun portrays Ma Fei as a child, while Bai Yu portrays him as an adult.
• Yan Shubiao (Li Jianyi): The stern and pragmatic headmaster who represents the traditional education system. He initially dismisses Ma Fei as a lost cause but is eventually proven wrong. His character serves as a foil to Ma Haowen's unconventional approach.
• Xin Yu (Ren Suxi): Ma Haowen's colleague and friend. She provides emotional support and believes in Ma Haowen's innocence. Her character highlights the importance of friendship and loyalty.

Cast

Reception

Looking Up received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its heartwarming story, strong performances, and exploration of universal themes. While some critics found the narrative somewhat melodramatic, the film's emotional resonance and positive message resonated with a wide audience. The film was a box office success in China, further solidifying Deng Chao's reputation as a talented actor and director.

Specifically, praise was directed towards:

• Deng Chao's performance: Many reviewers lauded Deng Chao's portrayal of Ma Haowen, praising his ability to convey both the character's strength and vulnerability.
• The film's emotional impact: Critics acknowledged the film's ability to evoke strong emotions in viewers, particularly regarding the father-son relationship.
• The exploration of educational themes: The film's critique of the traditional education system was seen as thought-provoking and relevant.

However, some criticisms included:

• Melodrama: Some reviewers found the film overly sentimental and melodramatic at times.
• Predictability: The plot was considered predictable by some critics, particularly the outcome of Ma Fei's academic journey.

Box Office Performance

Looking Up was a commercial success, grossing over CN¥877 million (approximately $127 million USD) in China. Its box office performance reflects the film's popularity and its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.

Awards and Nominations

While a complete list of awards and nominations is difficult to obtain, Looking Up received recognition for its storytelling and performances. The film's commercial success and positive reception also speak to its overall impact.

Impact and Legacy

Looking Up has had a significant impact on audiences in China and beyond, sparking discussions about education, parenting, and the importance of pursuing one's dreams. The film's positive message and heartwarming story have resonated with viewers of all ages, making it a memorable and inspiring cinematic experience.

The film's legacy can be seen in:

• Increased awareness of alternative education methods: The film has contributed to a broader discussion about the limitations of the traditional education system and the potential benefits of more student-centered approaches.
• Strengthened family values: The film's portrayal of the father-son relationship has reinforced the importance of family bonds and the power of unconditional love.
• Inspiration for aspiring individuals: The film's message of perseverance and self-belief has inspired viewers to pursue their dreams, regardless of obstacles.

Conclusion

Looking Up is a poignant and uplifting film that explores the profound connection between a father and son. Through its compelling narrative, strong performances, and exploration of universal themes, the film offers a powerful message about the importance of love, resilience, and the pursuit of one's dreams. While it may not be a groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece, Looking Up is a genuinely moving and inspiring film that leaves a lasting impression on its audience. Its focus on the unwavering belief of a parent in their child, even against societal pressures, makes it a relevant and touching story for viewers worldwide.