China Salesman

China Salesman is a gripping action-thriller movie directed by Tan Bing in 2017. The movie stars renowned Chinese actor Dongxue Li, former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, and Norwegian actress Janicke Askevold. It's a film that capitalizes on the theme of communication technology while brimming with intense action sequences, political intrigue, and display of fierce resilience in the face of adversity.

The central plot revolves around a humble, intelligent, and enthusiastic telecoms sales engineer Yan Jian (played by Dongxue Li), who lands a lucrative opportunity to secure a prestigious contract for his company. This contract puts Yan Jian head to head with a dangerously competent competitor seeking the same deal in an African country. The contract involves a new generation of mobile communication technology, promising a revolutionary breakthrough that would change the way people communicate.

Dongxue Li's character Yan Jian, a protagonist of determination and intellect, is central to the action and intrigue of the film. Being a salesman on a noble mission, Yan is not without enemies. He faces a ruthless and formidable foe, Big Bear (played by Mike Tyson), a former boxer turned security officer. As Yan navigates this unfamiliar territory, he must outmaneuver this fearsome opponent.

Mike Tyson in this movie showcases his raw physicality and magnetic intensity, as the formidable character Big Bear, a fierce competitor matching Yan's intellect with brute strength. Tyson instills his character with a sense of dread and imminent danger, creating an intense atmosphere whenever he is on the screen. The visceral, action-packed scenes and confrontations between Tyson and Li’s characters are thrilling, showcasing Tyson's boxing legacy and Li's ability to hold his own in such confrontations.

Norwegian actress Janicke Askevold delivers an effective performance as Susanna, a local who becomes swept up in the intense competition. Askevold's character adds a layer of complexity to the narrative and contributes to the potent on-screen chemistry. Her role testifies to the movie's commitment to present diverse international talents, contribute depth to the storyline, and maintain audience engagement.

The movie is also underscored by the theme 'Corporate warfare', depicted through Yan's trials and tribulations as he contends with a myriad of challenges. Interwoven into the main plotline are subplots of political corruption, corporate espionage and the consequences of unbridled power that keep viewers engaged and guessing.

Cinematographically, China Salesman prominently features the African landscape's raw, untamed beauty, offset by sleek, luxurious corporate settings. This contrast intensifies the movie's overall atmosphere, creating a juxtaposition that mirrors the storyline's complexity and the characters' turbulent journeys.

China Salesman’s confluence of technology, international business, and political drama creates a story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Enhanced by powerful performances, particularly from Li and Tyson, and scenic filming locations, the movie delivers unexpected twists and turns, transforming what initially seems a simple corporate rivalry into a thrilling action-packed experience.

In this seemingly simple story of a telecom engineer pitch, the filmmakers have skillfully layered intrigue, action, corruption, and raw survival instincts. The final piece of this cinematic puzzle is the use of telecommunication as a symbol of power and control, reflecting a reality where control of communication forms control over information, leading to ultimate power.

With its compelling narrative, intense action sequences, and the interesting dichotomy of technology against the primal forces of nature and human instinct, China Salesman is a movie that packs a solid punch. The movie successfully intertwines themes of business and politics with action sequences, creating a unique viewing experience. It takes viewers on a journey of one man's resilience, where the power of determination and courage is set against insurmountable odds, making it a must-watch for fans of action-filled thrillers.