Looking Up

Looking Up is a 2019 Chinese movie that takes the viewers on an extraordinary journey of a family witnessing closer than just family values; embracing commitment to dreams, courage, perseverance, and of course, the beauty of the cosmos. The movie came to life under the directorship of Chao Deng and Baimei Yu, who together create a compelling and touching narrative that resonates strongly with a vast audience.

In Looking Up, we delve into the unique relationship between a loving father and his son, where the father imbues his child's life with unfathomable dreams and boundless courage. The story unfolds as Chao Deng, who intricately plays the role of 'Ma Fei’ the father, nonchalantly ignores societal norms and groundbreaking events, and focuses solely on teaching his son, portrayed by the promising young actor, Suxi Ren, the wonders of the universe, and the importance of chasing dreams. Yu Bai’s role as the mother adds an extra layer to the narrative, providing a more profound depth to the family dynamics presented in the story.

The film seamlessly transitions between two timelines, the past and the present, as it speaks volumes about an unusual father and son relationship that forms the crux of the movie. The past timeline revives the extraordinary childhood filled with dreams and aspirations, and the present timeline explores the undying spirit of the now grown-up son, who is set to follow his father's footsteps.

The title Looking Up perfectly encapsulates the essence of the movie. It not only signifies the literal act of looking up towards the stars and exploring the universe, but it also reflects the metaphorical sense of looking up or aiming high in life. The movie beautifully delineates the exhilarating journey of a man who dares to look up and reach for the stars despite the challenges and odds stacked against him.

The plot unfolds immaculately with its enchanting storytelling method that pulls at heart strings and leaves you feeling inspired. The narrative is imbued with remarkable instances of following one's dreams, no matter the consequences, staying rooted in one's beliefs, and relentless hard work. Hence, injecting the serotonin of hope, resilience, and ambition in the viewers.

Looking Up depicts an admirable paternal love that defies traditional societal norms and focuses on nurturing a child's imagination and dreams. This trajectory is brought to life stunningly by Chao Deng; his excellent portrayal of an eccentric, dream-chasing father is a testament to his superior acting skills. His phenomenal performance is well-matched by Suxi Ren, who brilliantly portrays the complex character of the son, with equal parts charisma and emotion.

Though set against a backdrop of space exploration, the film doesn't subside into extravagant special effects or over-emphasize the technicalities of the cosmos. Instead, it uses the limitless space as an allegory to limitless dreams, aspirations, and human ambition. The film's meaningful narrative and seamless blend of tender moments with epic undertones make it an extraordinary spectacle. It portrays a narrative far beyond the cosmos, delving into the complexity of human relationships and the invincible power of dreams.

Viewers will undoubtedly appreciate the exceptional cinematography that complements and enhances the overall narrative. The film's ability to tackle such a complex theme without losing sight of its poignant narrative is commendable. The emotionally resonating music score serves as the perfect backdrop to this incredibly well-crafted story.

The screenplay, the visualization, the music, everything is in perfect harmony, giving this film its uniqueness and making it a must-watch. The movie is filled with subtleties; it demands the viewer's attention and rewards them with a heartfelt story of dreams, love, and resilience.

In conclusion, Looking Up is not just a movie about a father and son, but a testament to an indomitable human spirit, a beacon of hope in adversity, and a love letter to dreamers everywhere. It talks about love – paternal and beyond, hope, dreams, aspirations, and resiliency, all intertwined in an awe-inspiring narrative of a family that dares to look up and reach for the cosmos. What truly sets Looking Up apart, however, is its unique ability to blend science with emotion, crafting a narrative that swings effortlessly between the intimate and the infinite.