Send Me To The Clouds

Send Me To The Clouds is a stirring Chinese film, directed by Congrong Li and released in 2019 that beautifully blends drama with comedy, punctuated with moments of existential revelation. This full-length feature film is both a touching exploration of femininity and identity and a sharp critique of societal pressures and expectations. The film's carefully crafted screenplay, heartfelt performances, and profound social commentary move beyond the surface to explore deeper emotions and truths.

Send Me To The Clouds stars renowned actress Chen Yao, who masterfully plays the lead role of Sheng Nan, a talented but underappreciated writer. She is supported by Jiuxiao Li, who portrays a rich, indifferent son who commissions her for an unconventional project, and Xinming Yang, who plays her father, offering a deeply nuanced performance that adds another layer to the film’s complex narrative.

The story revolves around Sheng Nan, an unmarried woman in her 30s, who receives a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, a shock that propels her on a path of self-discovery and introspection. Her life is further complicated as she's tasked with writing the biography of a tycoon who's made his fortune destroying the environment. The rich narrative weaves together themes of mortality, environmentalism, and identity, effectively peeling back the layers to each one gracefully.

While the film presents a much clichéd journey of a protagonist with a life-threatening diagnosis, it dares to step outside the conventional frames to dig deeper into an exploration of the self and the world one inhabits. Sheng Nan's character is not portrayed as a tragic figure looking for sympathy but rather an empowered, resilient woman challenging societal norms, making the best out of her condition, and proving her worth in a society where unmarried women in their 30s are often judged harshly.

The film excels at highlighting societal undercurrents, through the romance, humor, and tension involved in Sheng Nan's story, which serves as a mirror to many women facing similar experiences. In the backdrop of materialism and the ever-present pressure to succeed, the narrative is brimming with strong, feminist overtones that criticize the predominantly patriarchal society. The movie showcases the injustices faced by women, questioning the set standards and norms that continue to breed inequality, thereby presenting an unsweetened commentary on social realities.

As with any powerful film, the cinematography in Send Me To The Clouds is a highlight, with every shot carefully composed to draw the audience into the world being depicted onscreen. The beauty and serenity of the Sichuan landscape serve as a brilliant backdrop to the depth and intensity of the narrative. The stark contrast between the pristine landscapes and the innocence they hold, to the bustling, grueling city life, underlines the discord found in Sheng Nan's life and her quest for inner peace.

Using both levity and profound tragedy, Send Me To The Clouds successfully navigates a series of heavy subjects with finesse. While the theme of mortality permeates the film, it doesn't render the overall atmosphere bleak. Instead, it injects the story with an urgency to live and appreciate life that is poignant and inspiring. The movie also boasts an exceptional soundtrack, which heightens its emotional resonance.

The performances in this film are remarkably nuanced, especially from the lead, Chen Yao, whose portrayal of Sheng Nan is both compelling and unforgettable. Chen Yao's strong performance is complemented by Jiuxiao Li and Xinming Yang, whose portrayals add to the complex dynamics, charm, and strength of the film.

Overall, Send Me To The Clouds is a thought-provoking exploration of a woman's journey towards self-discovery amidst pressing societal norms, personal duress, and environmental concerns. It presents a moving study on finding one's own value, offering nuanced performances, beautiful cinematography, and a potent social commentary that will stir strong emotions in every viewer. It’s a film that goes beyond narrative story-telling, offering a deeper dive into human psyche and societal narratives, which makes it a must-watch film.