Upstream

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Upstream

Released Sep 6

2h 2m

Comedy

Drama

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0 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

After suffering a number of disasters, including losing his job, having his savings wiped out and facing his father's high medical bills, Gao Zhilei (Xu Zheng) takes up a job as a delivery worker, dealing with long days and stomach-turning events. Amongst crazy customers, tight deadlines and competition among app companies, he manages to form strong bonds with his fellow workers. But in his quest for success, he must face a choice: keep the new friendships he's created or move to the next level in his new career by taking advantage of the new business world where he finds himself.

Chris L

Very entertaining, well performed movie

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/18/24

Full Review

Shan H

Very insightful movie!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/15/24

Full Review

Powell P

This film is a delight. While there are a lot of laughs, it's not empty nonsense but is a film showing reality and having fun with it. In China. These are the yellow-jacketed deliverers in almost no time at all of whatever you buy and can have the same day. They were part of the gig economy big in the Western world. In 2021, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and other regulatory bodies mandated that local food delivery platforms provide drivers with a minimum wage, access to insurance, and improved working conditions. The order also required platforms to enroll delivery workers in social insurance programs. (The country does listen to its people: https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2024/08/16/us-china-oligarchy-consultative-democracy/) That doesn't take anything away from the film though as the main character has much to deal with in his new job, with a story that is seamlessly crafted. Laughs, seriousness, strong characters, a look at China, warmth, love and a tear or two; it's all here.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/19/24

Full Review

Max W

The appearance of Upstream is timely. Although there are quite a few cheap-designed elements in the film, it at least brings a ray of light to one of the most common industries today. Through this way of celebrating hardships, it manages to inject a bit of inspiration into the hearts of some viewers.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/25/24

Full Review

Steffan S

A very entertaining and well made film overall, from beginning to end.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/06/24

Full Review

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Zheng Xu

Director

Zheng Xu

Actor

Zhilei Xin

Actor

Karel Wong Chi-Yeung

Actor

Bing Jia

Actor

Feng Bing

Actor

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Synopsis

After suffering a number of disasters, including losing his job, having his savings wiped out and facing his father's high medical bills, Gao Zhilei (Xu Zheng) takes up a job as a delivery worker, dealing with long days and stomach-turning events. Amongst crazy customers, tight deadlines and competition among app companies, he manages to form strong bonds with his fellow workers. But in his quest for success, he must face a choice: keep the new friendships he's created or move to the next level in his new career by taking advantage of the new business world where he finds himself.

Director: Zheng Xu
Screenwriter: Zheng Xu, He Keke
Distributor: China Lion Film Distribution
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: Chinese
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 6, 2024, Limited
Runtime: 2h 2m