Cast
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Huang Xuan
as Li Da
Ni Ni
as Wang Huiwu
Wang Renjun
as Mao Zedong
Liu Haoran
as Liu Renjing
Yuan Wenkang
as Li Hanjun
Darren Grosvenor
as Reginald Johnston
Daniel Krauser
as David
Michael Koltes
as Capt. Charles Worthington
Gao Mingyu Evans
as CT Evans
Elvis Han
as Zhang Guotao
Shawn Dou
as Chen Tanqiu
Chen Kun
as Chen Duxiu
Song Jia
as Gao Junman
Tong Liya
as Song Ailing
Xu Kai
as Shen Yanbing
Crew
Director
- Huang Jianxin
- Zheng Dasheng
Writer
- Zhao Ningyu
- Lena Wong
- Yu Xi
Producer
- Edward Cheng
- Ning Ren
- Fu Ruoqing
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, 1921 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 Huang Jianxin 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 2021, 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 1921 took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 138 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 170 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 58 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 456 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While 1921 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Manhattan, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, 1921 subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Last Emperor and GoodFellas explore similar territory, 1921 stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 1, 2021
- Runtime: 2h 18m
