Beijing moviegoers are in for a treat as the romantic comedy thriller "Unbearable Lightness of Inspector Fan" premieres in cinemas around the city.
Also known as "Shanghai Noir," the film is set in Republic of China-era Shanghai and stars award-winning Taiwanese actor Ethan Juan, Zhou Dongyu, and Yang Zishan.
Juan, who won Best Leading Actor at Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards in 2010 for his role in the gangster film "Monga," plays Fan Ruyi, a detective who finds himself framed after getting a top secret mission. Along the way he meets a blind performer (Zhou) and a powerful warlord's daughter (Yang) that further complicates his quest to clear his name.
The movie is directed by Hong Kong director Clara Law, who bagged Best Director at Hong Kong Film Awards in 2009, the Golden Horse Award in 1996, and the Silver Plaque Award at the Chicago Film Festival in 1985.
Renowned filmmaker and scriptwriter Derek Yee, best known for directing Jackie Chan's blockbuster hit "Shinjuku Incident," serves as executive producer.
Initial reviews of the movie have been positive. State-run media portal China.org.cn notes the film's "young, fresh elements, which are both novel and close to our life" and noting the dialog's sense of humor.
Critics also noted that Zhou's and You's characters sharply contrast their public images. Zhou, who is best recognized by audiences for her innocent young girl characters, portrays a woman suffering in war, while Yang, most known for her outgoing college girl persona in the 2013 drama "So Young," plays the role of a sexy and wealthy young woman.
The "Unbearable Lightness of Inspector Fan" is set for general release in cinemas across China on Jan. 16.