Unyielding River's Currents: An Unwavering Analysis

Let's Dive into the Mysterious World of 'Only the River Flows'

Unyielding River's Currents: An Unwavering Analysis

Strap in, folks! We're diving headfirst into the bleak, noir-ish landscape of rural China in 'Only the River Flows'. This film, directed by the ever-intriguing Wei Shujun, paints a pretty grim picture of a small town named Banpo, where life ain't exactly peaches and cream in the late '90s.

The story kicks off as we're about as hopeful as a snowball in hell. Wei Shujun lays it all out there with those chilling opening lines: "there is no understanding fate, therefore I choose to play the part of fate." And boy, does regret ever hit hard as we get slapped in the face with a major dose of despair!

But fear not, my friends, for amidst the oppressive gloom, a gripping murder investigation unfolds, led by the stoic detective Ma Zhe. The case is wrapped up quicker than you can say "Houdini", but Ma Zhe's got a gut feeling that things ain't quite right. His suspicions of corruption within the police force grows, and he starts to wonder if they've nabbed an innocent man to save their own butts from public scrutiny.

Poor Ma Zhe, he's got enough worries without adding the debate over terminating his wife's difficult pregnancy into the mix. The one-child policy was the bane of many a Chinese family's existence during that time, and it's clear that Ma Zhe and his wife are no exception.

Now, if you thought that was enough to sink a man, ya haven't seen nothin' yet. Wei Shujun takes us on a mind-bending ride that'll make you question everything you thought you knew. As the film progresses, Ma Zhe's psyche starts to unravel in the most spectacular fashion, as he struggles to separate his dreams from reality.

But enough about the plot! Let's talk aesthetics, 'cause that's half the fun, ain't it? 'Only the River Flows' is as visually stunning as it is emotionally draining, with a rich tapestry of neo-noir elements: smoking, leather, rain, grimy lighting, cassette tapes, spooky ambiance, and all that jazz. The fact that it was filmed in 16mm adds an authentic, grainy feel that takes us straight back to the '90s.

The film's setting—the rundown buildings, crumbling rooftops, and deserted temples—portrays a community that's not just struggling financially, but also creatively and culturally. Secrets, deceit, and infighting tear families apart and stifle any semblance of artistic expression. It's a grim picture, alright, but an important one.

One can't help but be reminded of Yu Hua's dark, morally ambiguous novella 'Mistakes by the River', which forms the basis of the film. The book, as its publisher puts it, describes death, blood, and violence in a "dispassionate tone", revealing just how vile human nature can be. And while the film may not be as overtly violent as the source material, it still packs a powerful punch in the emotional and psychological departments.

'Only the River Flows' is a slow-burning masterpiece that'll stick with you long after the credits roll. If you're a fan of dense narratives, intricate characters, and a good ol' fashioned mind-fuck of a film, look no further! So pour yourself a stiff drink and settle in for a wild ride. Just remember—you've been warned!

Author's Corner

I'm Lauren Gallagher, an Irish wordsmith specializing in film, literary, and cultural criticisms. My work primarily revolves around shining a light on horror through a feminist lens and reviewing the latest literary releases. You can find my thoughts, musings, and ramblings on Instagram here.