Cast
View AllChen Xiwen
as Yun Long
Qiu Xiaochan
as Feifeng
Liu Qiancheng
as Qin Shubao
Wang Zezong
as Yuwen Chengdu
Wang Xinyu
as Yan Xiong
Lang Feng
as Yuchi Gong
Ma Pengchao
as Sima Ling
Ying Wu
as Ren Wushuang
Feng Wu Sheng
as Dragon King Jinghe
Yu Huitao
as Wei Zheng
Wu Lihua
as Yuan Shoucheng
Zhou Guanyu
as Mysterious Old Man
Xing Zhong
as Cui Chong
Wang Yili
as Old Eunuch
Feng Zhu
as Emperor
Crew
Director
- Liu Kaiyi
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Door Guardians represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Fantasy 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 Kaiyi 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 2020, 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 Door Guardians took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 74 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 96 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Door Guardians shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dark Floors, which focuses more on action than character development, Door Guardians offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Dragonball Evolution and Ne Zha explore similar territory, Door Guardians 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: September 27, 2020
- Runtime: 1h 14m