ziyuan l
"Dying to Survive," directed by Wen Muye and starring Xu Zheng, tells the moving story of how an ordinary businessman, Cheng Yong (Xu Zheng), transforms from a "nobody" who smuggles cheap cancer drugs from India to a "medicine god." Set in China, Cheng Yong, unable to pay the high cost of cancer drugs, starts smuggling cheap generic drugs from India to save his sick father and his business. With the development of the plot, his interaction with the patients gradually changed, from initial indifference to deep care and eventually became a "life-saving medicine god" for many poor patients. The film belongs to the realistic genre, similar to Dangal, which is based on true stories and focuses on the struggle and growth of people at the bottom of society.
The film's plot is full of tension, and the transformation of Cheng Yong's character is deeply felt. From selfish and greedy in the beginning, to selfless dedication in the end, Xu Zheng vividly shows this change through his superb acting, especially in the deep friendship he develops with fellow cancer patient Lu Benefi (Wang Chuanjun), which embodies the deep emotional bond in the film. Through this relationship, the film not only presents the growth of individuals but also reflects the indifference and ruthlessness of society towards vulnerable groups. The film cleverly shows the complexity of human nature through the promotion of the plot and the relationship between characters, especially in the face of the conflict between life and death and morality, every decision made by Cheng Yong is full of difficulties and helplessness.
In terms of film technology, the film creates a simple and real atmosphere through the use of natural light and the arrangement of real scenes, so that the audience can deeply feel the inner struggle of the characters and the oppression of the outside world. The film's editing is tight and fluid, finding the right balance between emotional climax and bland moments. Especially in the tense drug smuggling scene and the tender father and son farewell, the film the control of rhythm, so that each emotional node can maximize the audience. As for the soundtrack, the use of music in the whole film is also very good, the rhythm is accelerated when the tension is high, and it becomes soft and soothing when the warmth is warm, which is closely combined with the emotional changes of the film, and enhances the emotional resonance of the audience.
The film's social commentary is also profound, especially when it reveals the injustices and high drug prices in China's medical system, showing the great plight of the people at the bottom. Cheng Yong helped countless patients to live longer by smuggling drugs, but his own "illegal" behaviour also triggered social reflection on morality and law. Through Cheng Yong's transformation, the film explores the good and evil of human nature, presenting a complex and contradictory moral issue. In the gray area of law and morality, Cheng Yong chose what he thought was "right", a choice that, while controversial, shows the courage and tenacity of human nature.
Overall, Dying to Survive is an emotional and socially meaningful film that not only shows how a small man can become a hero in a difficult situation but also provokes a deep reflection on social justice, morality and legal boundaries. The film is certainly worth watching, especially for viewers concerned with social justice and medical injustice, and it is not only a film but also a social documentary worthy of reflection. It is highly recommended for anyone who wants to draw strength and thought from the film.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/16/25
Full Review
JUN W
This is a super good movie. I highly recommend. Everyone should watch it. Cause this movie is about how cancer drugs are particularly expensive. The poor people can't get medicine, and it is difficult to decide whether to save people's lives or obey the law. Pirated medicines are illegal, but people who cannot take them should be saved or not. The best thing is this movie promoted the reform of China's medical insurance. This film effect drugs for leukemia patients included in medical insurance. The dialogue that impressed me deeply was that "there is no disease in the world, only the disease of poverty". The patient is not at fault, but is Cheng Yong at fault? Patients thought of Cheng Yong as a savior. But what patients are short of money, not just medicine. "Money is life" often appears in films. In the film each group has its own difficulties. Survival difficulties for patients, The moral difficult of drug dealers, Business difficulties for businessmen, The choice of police ethics and law. The plot of the movie is managed properly and can deeply touch the hearts of the audience. In the film, the character of Cheng Yong has undergone a transformation from an ordinary character to becoming a hero, and his story reflects the reality that people at the bottom of society are struggling on the edge of survival. The character of Cheng Yong is not perfect, he is all kinds of selfish and bad, but in the movie, he also shows kindness and compassion. Other characters in the movie, such as Liu Si hui and Lu Yingying, are also three-dimensional and soulful, each carrying their own stories and dilemmas. While the film explores serious social issues, it also leaves hope and warmth. Despite the security subject， the film ends with hope and the dignity of life, giving a profound revelation. The plot of the film is compact, the emotions are real, and the actors' performances are deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, so that the audience can think and feel deeply. Overall, "dying to survive" is a film that can provoke the audience to think deeply, it not only reveals the problems in real society, but also reminds us to pay attention to those who are neglected. Through Cheng Yong's story, the audience is brought into a profound exploration of life, hope, and humanity.is a film that can provoke the audience to think deeply, it not only reveals the problems in the real society, but also reminds us to pay attention to those who are neglected. Through Cheng Yong's story, the audience is brought into a profound exploration of life, hope, and humanity. Once the conscience is awake, everyone can be a hero. The film is very realistic, and everyone can get sick and face the same predicament as the film. But everyone also has the right to survival. High-priced drugs exist in many countries, and it is hoped that more countries can reform drug prices.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
04/14/24
Full Review
Kevin M
One of a few brilliant Chinese movies with a real thoughtful topics.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
09/17/23
Full Review
Audience Member
A real blockbuster!!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/12/23
Full Review
Dan F
A gripping and funny movie about expensive drugs
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
06/17/20
Full Review
Audience Member
What a Chinese movie will get the attention of the western world? This is the truth of such patented drug inc selling cancer drugs with extreme high price for profit. Also hollywood had such kind of movies before.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/18/23
Full Review
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