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Hot Soup

Hot Soup (2020)

Oct 15, 2020 1h 42m Drama

Contemporary Shanghai. Four women are pursuing happiness in their lives. Their stories intertwine, as if they were those of a single person. A young executive argues with her fiancé about starting a family. A PhD student clashes with her professor about her thesis about happiness. A teenager fails to find the perfect boyfriend who meets her father's expectations. A young woman dreaming of the US is stuck in a cab with the cabdriver in love with her. The respected director, winner of multiple awards at major international festivals, returns with an intricately structured story about the search for happiness.

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Directed by Zhang Ming

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Zhang Ming
Writer
  • Zhang Ming
  • Gong Yuxi

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Hot Soup 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 Zhang Ming 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 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 Hot Soup took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 149 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 11 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.
  • The film contains approximately 1391 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2020, when this film is released:
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: October 15, 2020
  • Runtime: 1h 42m

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