Return of realism

South Reviews August 1

What is interesting about China’s realistic films in the second decade of the 21 century is that passionate collectivism and trivial personal daily life coexist as the two main themes and are accepted by the majority of cinema

audience, as proven by box office and word of mouth. These films, swinging between mainstream and marginal topics, reflect not only part of China’s fundamental truths, but also inner conflicts of the Chinese people in the face of new situations taking place in the society. They are inspired by the rise of China as a strong country by mainstream films, represented by box office champions Wolf Warrior II and Red Sea Operation, and they are also healed by those focusing on the lives of ordinary people that are often forgotten as the wheel of history rolls on.