Cast
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Xu Zheng
as Gao Zhilei
Xin Zhilei
as Xiao Ni
Wang Xiao
as Old Kou
Jia Bing
as Manager Zhu
Feng Bing
as Da-hei
Ding Yongdai
as Gao Zhilei's Father
Ding Jiali
as Gao Zhilei's Mother
Helen Chen
as Jia-jia
Jiakai Wu
as Yang Dashan
Liu Meihan
as Qiu Xiaomin
Yu Hewei
as Mr. Wei
Huang Xiaolei
as San-yuan
Ma Dong
as Interviewer
Liang Jing
as HR
Zhang Zhanyi
as Lao Zhang
Crew
Director
- Xu Zheng
Writer
- Xu Zheng
- He Keke
Producer
- Jiang Wei
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Upstream examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Xu Zheng brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2024, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Upstream took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 121 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 172 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 2350 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 108 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2024, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: August 3, 2024
- Runtime: 2h 1m