The Lonely Warrior Reviews

I've watched Zhang Yi play a police officer so many times, but I never get tired of it. Instead, it's easy for me to be drawn into the movie. If I like this film, I will also enjoy Liu Huan's ending song. "Ren Jian Dao" depicts Cheng Bing's entire life: "I want to live this life to see the snow orchids.
I want to wear out these shoes, barefoot in the windswept desert. I want to witness the clouds and rainbows in the broad sky, and hold a torch at night. I want everything in this vast universe to have its laws. I want those who leave home, no matter how late, to return.
I want the rain that falls from the sky to return to the sky. I want to eat this mouthful of rice and guard this wild land. I want all the paths in this world to exist under the blue sky. For a breath, for a principle, for a sacrifice, I will carry on till the end." Cheng Bing truly carries on till the end.
There's a scene where Cheng Bing swims across the river to the other side. Cai Bin shouts behind him, urging him to let go. Before this scene, Cai Bin always mentioned the "attachment" in Buddhism. This scene is absolutely amazing. Cheng Bing alone swims to the other side of the river, and he also persists to the end on his own.
It's both an attachment and a crossing. I think I will watch the drama version, although I'm a bit scared...

The movie was so disappointing. It's far worse than the TV drama that I'm currently following, which has been touching and made me shed tears uncontrollably. I came to watch the movie with high hopes, but it didn't feel like a movie at all.
It was more like a narrative-less PowerPoint presentation. Every plot twist felt forced, without any buildup or logical coherence. Sitting through over two hours of it was agonizing, and it didn't move me at all. I just wanted it to end quickly so I could move on.
I don't understand who those people giving it positive reviews are.

The drama made me sob uncontrollably. It's undoubtedly the best drama of 2023, despite some plot holes that can be overlooked. I deduct one star because of Li Chen's performance (originally wanted to give the movie one star just because of him, but the movie is actually quite good, so it doesn't deserve such low rating).

Adding to that, the plot that I couldn't stand the most is Zhang Yi's family's sudden emotional coldness. Before the incident, it seemed like they wanted to have a third child, but after the incident, it feels like he's the one who killed his wife, lover, and daughter.
It's incredibly unsettling.

It seems like Cheng's character is destined for misfortune... Not a single storyline was well executed, and the creators should apologize to the families of the victims. Cheng's character was portrayed by Zhang Yi without any charm. He started off strong, but later on, he should have been more burdened and complex, expressing regret, guilt, and a sense of depth.
Almost all the characters were superficially developed and lacked depth. The details were scarce. The editing was poor, and the pacing was off. The balance between elaboration and conciseness was not well-handled. It had a strong masculine vibe, and there were no female characters, none at all.

At the end of the year, another member joins the list of the top 10 annual domestic releases! This year, there have been many films with a realistic theme, but only "Triple Squad" has delivered a satisfying answer under strict censorship.
Despite the use of many effective but clichéd plot elements, the film maintains a smooth pace with its straightforward narrative. It evokes laughter and tears, accompanied by the clues of "chasing the murderer," presenting a comprehensive portrayal of the police officers' dedication to justice.
The chef's glance back at the train station ticket gate, the insurance seller's shout amidst the New Year fireworks, and Binzi's cry by the riverbank all depict the struggle for life and ideals.
Cheng Bing, who has nothing to lose and nothing to worry about, persists until the end with the belief of the "Triple Squad," leaving behind a lonely yet immensely heroic figure that dissipates into the vast sea of people.

A few years ago, I watched the first part of "Deep Blue Story," but I can't quite remember the original plot. I recall that there were no teammates in the impression. The film's addition of teammates joining and leaving, as well as the master acknowledging his own inability to keep up, is a great adaptation.
It adds some interesting plot elements, creates a thrilling and fluctuating pace, and emphasizes Brother Bing's unwavering determination.

The beginning of the film had a feeling similar to a typical detective movie, giving me a sense that it would be very popcorn-worthy.
Then, the combination of violin and a big title immediately changed that atmosphere and made it more intriguing. The segment from imprisonment to tomb sweeping temporarily lost the direction of the story, but it necessary to show everyone's changes.
The teammates' retirement and the soulful greeting in the ending created a desolate atmosphere.

The conversation with the bureau chief seemed to subtly satirize certain things. The indoor set design was very well done, resembling an ordinary person's home.

The music was stunning! The violin near the music sheet and the lightly distorted electric guitar were used to enhance the tense and ethereal atmosphere, and it was very concise and effective.

The only minor drawback was that the font used when switching cities felt a bit "unrefined" or out of place.

It's a good story, and the director's filming techniques are quite impressive. There's a lot of restraint in many aspects. Moreover, the writer starting from the perspective of the male lead is excellent.
The years-long pursuit of the culprit, the feelings of resentment, sadness, and injustice are what touch us, the audience, and make us admire those who can persevere. From the first supporter to the first one to leave, to several people leaving due to various real-life issues, we can understand them, but it still feels very painful.

It also reminds me of the earlier work, with Zhang Yi playing the lead role. It's quite ridiculous how the starting perspective is the protagonist on the surface, but actually highlights the difficulty of portraying the antagonist, their deep emotions and sense of loyalty.
They deliberately imitate the image of a big brother from Hong Kong films, overlooking the genuine need to tell the story of the righteous side and their internal struggles. The contrast between these two works is significant.

The dark shadow at the alley entrance represents the obsession I chased after, the group photo at the celebration embodies the curse I endured, the graffiti behind the mirror symbolizes the life I gambled on, and the shoe covers at the doorstep signify the fate I exchanged.
Neglecting to install burglar-proof windows, my identity was stolen by wicked thieves. Neglecting to purchase life insurance, I played hide-and-seek with destiny. Changing from a uniform to a prisoner's outfit, justice has been frozen in the freezer of the judiciary.
The police anthem has turned into prison regulations, and the killer has been reveling in the blocks of a game, evading capture. People come and go, each with their own shore to swim towards.

Several police officers went from being full of spirit to being down and out, and it really saddened me from the bottom of my heart. ???? By the end, it felt like Wang Eryong truly had the chance to start anew, just as Lao Liao said: a happy and harmonious family, and he even managed to make himself look respectable despite his past wrongdoings...
But why does he get to start over? Can Cheng Bing start over and return to the way things were? Can the other members of the Three Teams, who had promising futures, start over and go back to the past? Everyone can start over, except for Wang Eryong!

I'm already tired of seeing Zhang Yi in these kinds of roles, but I couldn't resist watching because of Wei Chen's face. How can someone look so handsome with that hairstyle?
It's like he was born to be an actor. Oh my goodness!

It's just average, I would recommend it if you simply enjoy watching crime dramas, but I think you might be a bit disappointed with this one.
Overall, it feels like it's only focusing on the main character's journey, and the other characters are just carried by the actors' performances.

There seems to be a lot of attention to detail in the design, but it comes across as too straightforward and a bit dry.
It's hard to evaluate. I give up, Wei Chen is really handsome, I can't believe it.

The pre-internet era of criminal investigations has become the focus of domestic crime film creators. Due to the lack of technological means like surveillance, the process of solving cases is filled with twists and turns.
"The Third Squad" achieves a remarkably high level of completion. By employing a more realistic approach and toning down the suspenseful atmosphere, the drama captivates viewers with solid storytelling and compelling performances.
Ensembles are the most challenging to write and portray, and although the film mainly focuses on Cheng Bing, portrayed by Zhang Yi, the other characters in "The Third Squad" are equally outstanding.
Whether it's the performances of Zhang Zixian, Wang Xiao, Wei Chen, or the detailed characterization of their roles, everything feels authentic and emotionally moving. However, as the story eventually enters a low point for the characters, a certain momentum fails to sustain the excitement for the audience.
Nevertheless, the ending, where the true culprit is found, and the subsequent long shot of Cheng Bing walking on the street, is a beautifully designed and impactful scene that surpasses mere preaching and salutes.

Finally, I've seen a good realistic drama that, although some plot points may seem a bit contrived, the flaws don't overshadow its brilliance. The scene where they eat barbecue, drink beer, and suddenly start singing together, or when Binzi shouts "Happy New Year" in the snowy field—these details are inexplicably surreal yet incredibly authentic, a nameless release of emotions.
And the final scene where Zhang Yi has convulsions in prison, a culmination of suppressed outbursts. Also, the camera zooming out from the pedestrian crossing, gradually transitioning from silence to the restoration of various noises in reality—it's as if everything has finally returned to normal.

The early part of the drama was quite tight, but the middle and later parts were particularly boring. It felt a bit like how I used to start my English essays with impressive sentences and then desperately fill in the rest for the word count.
However, it was quite surprising to find out later that the master let go because he couldn't catch up. Other than that, it was neither outstanding nor disappointing. Wei Chen's acting was awkward to the point of being refreshing.
The scene where the middle-aged man sings while drunk was truly inspired by life, but my goodness, it felt so forced that it became a bit funny.

Zhang Yi really knows how to choose scripts and act. Everyone has praised him enough, so I'll mention a plot that left a deep impression on me: Old Zhang said that young police officers all want to crack big cases, but they never think about the countless shattered families and altered life trajectories behind each big case.
When Cai Bin discovered he had stomach cancer and was competing in a swimming match with Cheng Bing, he shouted halfway through, exhausted, "Have you ever thought that if we haven't found him yet, maybe it's because God has given him a chance to start over?
" Honestly, when I saw this scene, my anger and helplessness were indescribable. But in Liu Huan's end credits song, I found the answer: "Good people don't necessarily receive good rewards, so why should bad people enjoy peace and happiness?
" "I am the karma you created through killing, and I am also the cause of your rebirth!" Please make sure to listen to the entire end credits song before leaving.

After watching it, my mom asked, "Is it worth spending a lifetime clinging to one thing?" It reminded me of the ending of "Sealed for Thirteen Years," where the victims and the police officers bowed and saluted each other.
I said to her, "Think about the victim's father who handed out tea eggs. Do you think this kind of courage and determination is worth it?" Thirty-six years ago, Liu Huan sang, "The golden shield, forged with hot blood," and thirty-six years later, he sang, "I want the ghosts with remorse in their eyes to see justice.

For twenty years, the pursuit of the culprit wasn't the central theme. Instead, the story highlighted the changes in the lives of the three brothers and their persistence after experiencing life-changing events (the brothers) and Cheng Bing. Each character had a relatively complete story and interpersonal relationships, making the entire story more cohesive.
Lastly, using the group photo of the three brothers as the ending was the perfect touch, combining it with the recurring thread of the photographs throughout the film. It felt as if we were transported back to 2002, to the complete, just, and highly capable Three Brothers.

Did you cry? Were you touched? Moved? Sighed? No? Then let me sprinkle some manly vows and steadfastness.

Still haven't shed a tear? Then here's some bitterness and desolation of manhood.
It wouldn't be appropriate if you're not moved by now, huh?

It's unexpectedly ugly and torturous. In the stinking and overly long two hours, the only pleasant surprise was Cao Bingkun, who portrayed the appropriately sleazy character of the Buddhist bead man.
Greasiness is not a gender-specific issue; it entirely depends on the individual.

I truly can't believe they managed to turn a human story from the depths of the Deep Blue's pen into this mess.
Such a great story and foundation, forcefully transformed into a pile of overnight defense. It's no wonder, Chen Sicheng, even as a producer, you managed to saturate the entire film with that excess of ego and greasiness.
When I walked out of the theater, I felt as if my hair had been tainted by the stench.

3.5/ Zhang Yi's acting is beyond words, truly deserving of high praise. The foundation of authenticity prevents the movie's story itself from being poorly told. The portrayal of the suspenseful atmosphere and the impact of wasted time are both extremely well-executed.
It's a pity, though, that I couldn't be convinced even in the slightest by the portrayal of the bonds among the members of the Third Squad in the film. Arguments rely solely on shouting, and the poor sound quality even brings a terrible viewing experience.
The transition from Shenyang to Guangdong is brushed over in a single stroke, and the pursuit process is barely mentioned in the later scenes in Xishuangbanna. However, when Zhang Yi sends a message saying he can't hold on anymore, not knowing whom he sent it to, and the heartfelt farewells between the teammates at the end, it's truly tear-jerking.
It turned out to be an unexpected masterpiece.

Inspired by "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," but turned into an overly dramatic and contrived crime series on CCTV-8. Despite going through numerous difficulties, the case is ultimately solved, but it feels forced and artificial.
The cinematography relies heavily on long, sentimental shots, which adds to the contrived nature. Knowing that people are going to leave but still desperately trying to keep them and acting pitifully, it's the third level of contrivance.
While "Three Billboards" portrayed life, this one feels like a cliché inspirational story.