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By Chance

By Chance (2018)

Apr 30, 2018 1h 20m

When a door closes, they say another one opens in its place. Yu Nana (Nan Sheng) is a graduate student who has been pursuing her doctorate in psychology for the past eight years. While all of her college friends have secured jobs or married, Nana has been studying hard and preparing for her thesis. All her hard work seems to have been wasted when her thesis fails again and she is denied her Ph.D., plunging Nana into despair. The next day, Nana receives a strange email from Sasai Eisuke (Terada Takuya), a Japanese businessman. Wanting to escape from her failures, Nana takes the stranger up on his unusual offer and sets off for a trip to Japan that will change her life.

Directed by Liu Defu

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Liu Defu
Writer
  • Mayumi Komatsu

Reviews

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Thematic Analysis

By Chance represents a fascinating example of cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Liu Defu 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2018, 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 By Chance took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 106 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 428 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The film contains approximately 1667 individual shots.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 2018, when this film is released:
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While By Chance shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Shout, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, By Chance subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Barstool Cowboy and Koi... Mil Gaya explore similar territory, By Chance stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: April 30, 2018
  • Runtime: 1h 20m

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