匆匆那年 (Back In Time/Fleet Of Time) is an 2014 film out of Zhong Guo. I recently caught it in a local movie theatre. China Lion's been doing a good job of releasing good and popular films in the USA pretty much at the same time it is released in Zhong Guo. The movie stars Eddie Peng, Ni Ni, Zheng Kai, Zhang Zixuan, and Wei Chen.
The movie is the story of Eddie Peng's gang of friends as they go from their first year of high school to mid-college. The story starts when Zhao Ye, played by Zheng Kai, as he is getting married. Zhao hires a videographer to film his wedding and to capture the essence of their youth. The videographer takes an interest to Chen Xun, played by Eddie Peng. Chen's story starts during his first year of high school. During a morning run, Chen and Zhao spot a new gal coming to their school, Fang Hui, played by Ni Ni. Immediately, Chen takes an interest. From that point on, Chen's mission to to get Fang's attention. After many attempts, Chen successfully woos Fang. But both their parents find out and intervene. The school gets involved as well to break them apart. When Chen gets into the same college as Fang, they finally begin their romance anew. However, the rigors of college get in the way and they drift apart. Partly due to jealousy and partly due to loneliness. When the five friends re-unite for Zhao's wedding, the stories all come out and a picture is slowly completed. Looking back in time...
This movie was very depressing in a sense. The movie starts with hope, but descends on the messy road a long relationship can encounter. From innocence to broken youth, the look back in time brings back into perspective their present day decisions. In this case, the wedding of one of the group members gets them reminiscing of what they believe to be better days. However, in hindsight, the good come with just as many bad.
I am not sure how much this has to do with Zhong Guo's culture. Another movie of similar style "那些年,我們一起追的女孩" (You're The Apple Of My Eye) had a very similar story and looking back in time. Back In Time was made for Zhong Guo, Apple was made for Taiwan. Apple was a huge in Taiwan and HK, but mildly successful in Zhong Guo. Back In Time is running two weeks atop the Zhong Guo box office with no slowing down.
At an 10:15PM showing at my local theatre, it was pretty packed. I was really surprised. I think China Lion's got themselves a semi-hit for their numbers.
The movie end credits also roll along with a lovely new song from my all time favorite singer, Faye Wong.
Also of note is the cameo of random stars in the subway. The songs they sang in the movie also brought back fond memories of yesteryear.
I whole heartedly recommend that you catch this movie. A must watch movie out of Zhong Guo.
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