Savage

"Savage" is a Chinese action thriller movie directed by Cui Siwei, released in 2018. The film stars some of the most talented actors in the industry: Chang Chen, Ni Ni, and Fan Liao. Set against the harsh, bitterly frigid wilderness of a Mountain in Northeast China, "Savage" combines human drama with tightly-wound suspense.

The iconic setting of the film plays a significant character in the storyline, shaping both the atmosphere and the plot. Chang Chen, known for his roles in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "The Assassin," brilliantly brings to life the character of Han Xiaosong, a local policeman in this remote area destined to confront a harsh and grim reality.

The captivating Ni Ni, popular for her performance in "The Flowers of War," portrays the character Sun Yan, a doctor whose personal life is fiercely interlaced with the unfolding events. The film is rich in subtle undercurrents thanks to its layered storylines and deep characters.

Lending his formidable acting abilities to the film is Fan Liao (known for "Black Coal, Thin Ice") who plays the character of Zhang, a cold-hearted criminal on the run. He carries an ominous presence throughout the film, heightening the tension and viewers' anticipation.

"Savage" begins with a malicious gold heist that ends brutal murder. Han Xiaosong, during a hunting trip, stumbles upon the fleeing criminals and the brutal scene they left behind. This chance encounter spirals into a lethal confrontation between criminals and local law enforcement. The hunt pushes Han to break free from his timid persona and fully embrace the law enforcement ethos, all in an intense battle of survival and pursuit of justice that feels just as cold and merciless as the winter snow of the Mountain.

"Savage" sets up an engaging narrative about the nature of justice and the limits to which one will go to uphold it. The script thoroughly solves its environs to further the theme, with the hunting and tracking sequences in the snow and frequent shots of wild animals lurking around. The survival aspect and hostile environment escalate the tension and contribute to the movie’s tagline: 'The only law is the survival of the fittest.’

While the primary plot focuses on the conflict between the criminals and Han Xiaosong, "Savage" also explores personal relationships, coincidence, and chance. The entangled personal relationship between Han Xiaosong and Sun Yan, the doctor, becomes an essential aspect of the plot, adding another layer of tension and drama to the film.

Director Cui Siwei triumphantly creates suspense by cleverly unveiling layer after layer of the plot and characters. Also, special mention should go to the cinematography in this film. The beautiful yet terrifying snow-capped mountains, the vast and empty wilderness, the labyrinthine forest, the biting icy cold, and the sporadic animal encounters create a chillingly striking ambiance that perfectly complements this intense and gripping storyline.

In essence, "Savage" can be considered a test of human limits. Each character in the film undergoes a real struggle, where they oscillate between their primal instinct and their sense of humanity and justice. The film presents these clashes with maximum intensity, culminating in a theatrical battle between the law and the criminals, the themes of survival, and the persistence of human spirit.

"Savage" is an intriguing and intense cinematic experience directed with a strong vision and realized by excellent performances from its cast. Premiered at the Beijing Film Festival, the film manages to deliver a powerful, action-packed thriller that showcases the brutal and savage side of human nature, both metaphorically and literally. From its gripping narrative to its nerve-racking action, the cinematography, to the sterling performances of its leads, "Savage" is a compelling watch that keeps the audience on the edge of their seat from beginning to end.