A Cool Fish

A Cool Fish is a 2018 Chinese dark comedy-drama film, directed by Xiaozhi Rao and featuring the talented cast of Jianbin Chen, Suxi Ren, and Binlong Pan. This movie is a compelling blend of humor, action, drama, and suspense, with a distinct narrative style that stands out in contemporary Chinese cinema.

Small town cop, Ma Xianyong, played by Jianbin Chen, is at the heart of the story. Ma is not your typical earnest and upright police officer; instead, he's a man struggling with the mundanity of his job and the ridicule of his colleagues due to his physical disability. He seems doomed to live out his life in mediocrity, but a sudden twist of fate sends him on an unpredictable journey.

Parallel to this unfolds the tale of a convenience store worker, Chen Wen, played by Suxi Ren. Chen Wen is an innocent and gullible young woman burdened with debt, an ailing mother, and a seemingly unattainable dream of opening her own fashion boutique. Living a life fraught with pressures, she's desperately trying to keep herself afloat in a sea of challenges.

Meanwhile, Binlong Pan portrays a small-time thief who takes to the life of crime as a quick fix for his financial troubles. Despite his criminal inclination, he remains a relatable character due to his humane side and the comic relief he brings to the film.

These characters are thrust together into a chaotic chain of events when they cross paths one fateful evening. A Cool Fish frames these events in a suspenseful narrative, effectively mixing comedy, drama, and action. The plot is woven intrically around these every-day people trying to break free from their shells and realize their dreams, whatever the cost may be.

Director Xiaozhi Rao exhibits an impressive skill in capturing the balancing act between dark humor and suspenseful drama. While the comedic aspect of the film keeps the viewers entertained, it's the underlying tension that keeps them on the edge of their seats. The contrast between the predicaments of the characters and their humorous encounters is a testament to Rao's cinematic brilliance.

One of the key elements marking this film as unique is its distinctive take on societal judgement and the human condition. As the movie progresses, the audience will find themselves deep within the complex psychological landscapes of these characters. Throughout their respective journeys, Ma Xianyong, Chen Wen, and the small-time thief force us to question our preconceived notions about the so-called good, bad, and blurred lines in between in society.

Jianbin Chen delivers an impressive portrayal of a man grappling with his handicap and the shame it fuels in him. Suxi Ren convincingly portrays the character of a debt-laden, aspiring entrepreneur who is constantly battling with her financial and personal challenges. Binlong Pan brings a refreshing blend of humor and depth to his character of a thief who's not as hardened as he seems.

The film is well-paced and replete with unexpected plot twists, effectively capturing the despair, hope, and absurdity of life through its engaging narrative and performances. The photography and cinematography are expertly executed, offering viewers a visually appealing journey through the lives of Ma, Chen Wen, and the unnamed thief.

A Cool Fish could be described as a roller-coaster ride of emotions, laden with dark humor, thrilling action, and deep reflections on life and human nature. At its core, it's a movie about ordinary people and the extraordinary lengths they go to in pursuit of fulfillment and self-worth. Neither wholly a comedy nor a gritty drama, this film beautifully straddles these genres, emerging as a poignant exploration of the human spirit's resilience against adversity.

In summary, A Cool Fish is a cinematic gem in contemporary Chinese cinema that provides its audience with a deep dive into the complexities of human nature. Its compelling narrative, excellent performances, and directorial finesse make it a must-watch for those seeking a film with equal parts wit, suspense, and psychological depth.