The Lonely Warrior Reviews

I attended the preview screening, and at that time, I felt that the film was somewhat lackluster. The handling of Wang Da Yong's death was also very strange. When it was officially released, both my friends and the people around me who watched the movie felt that something was off about his character.
It wasn't until I read the reviews that I realized they may have wanted to portray him as having internal injuries, but the final presentation was truly inexplicable.
Additionally, during the preview screening, I remember there were quite a few witty lines and humorous moments, but in the official release, they seemed to be missing.
There were far fewer comedic moments. Overall, the story is good, and the actors are good too, but it was filmed in a too artistic manner without reaching the level of an art film.

The pursuit of human desires and the realization of values are the core contradictions and foundations of character development. It's a typical story of a tragic hero, but with too many characters and scattered writing.
The focus of the story, whether it should be on the ensemble of characters in the Third Brigade or solely on Cheng Bing, is not clearly defined. The portrayal of the ensemble is not sufficiently clear, even though each character undergoes changes that feel abrupt yet logical.
While the intention to shape Cheng Bing as an individual is evident, with everyone leaving for various reasons to contrast Cheng Bing's overcoming of desires and temptations, Cheng Bing's own desires and suffering are not clearly depicted.
This lack of clarity prevents the story from achieving its best effect. Furthermore, the audiovisual expression is flat and lacks power (I understand that it doesn't necessarily require extravagant visuals to be powerful).
Essentially, the focus and intensity of the storytelling, whether in the story itself or in the characters, are not clearly defined, resulting in a lack of excitement and engagement. Scenes like the Third Brigade's coercive interrogation or the dramatic exit on New Year's Eve fall slightly short, possibly due to pacing or cinematographic choices that do not align with the narrative rhythm.
Perhaps turning it into a web drama would have been better.

If I believe in high-rated domestic films and film critics again, then I must be a fool! The original story of this film had traces of "man-made disasters" in every aspect. If it were given to Hollywood or the Zhongwu Road filmmakers, at least half of the adaptation would focus on "holding the system accountable." Just the point of "law enforcement using torture to extract confessions leading to death" would be enough to excite the screenwriter who received this project to the point of a heart attack.
However, it can't be made this way in China, and the creative team has limited capabilities, unable to create a lone wolf solo performance like "The Yellow Sea" that carries a two-hour runtime solely with a male lead chasing the culprit for thousands of miles.
So, the adaptation approach turned into a nightmarish all-male ensemble. These five middle-aged men with backgrounds in Guangdong speak standard Mandarin (there's even one speaking Beijing dialect), and the screenwriter first has them drinking and crying loudly under a residential building late at night, then transforms them into national heroes traveling the country, and finally has their wives and children hold them back and disband.
The ending is a low imitation of "Dying to Survive" (multiple people paying tribute through illusions + dim warm color tones) + "Zero Dark Thirty" (emptiness and confusion after achieving their goals).
Only the scenes between Zhang Yi and Zhang Benyu are worth adding an extra star.

These guys portrayed the characters so well. The movie version feels like the story is never-ending; it would have been great if the TV series had the same cast. When Zhang Yi stood alone on the boat, I suddenly understood why everyone left one by one.
There are very few people who dedicate their entire lives to a single cause, but it emits a dim and enduring light of tragic heroism. Liu Huan's theme song deserves an extra star. It's heroic and magnificent. The greatness of tragedy lies not in the pain but in the determination to resist against all odds.
It's more uplifting than some of the softer requiems.

I've realized that our criteria for judging a good movie is whether it can fully express the audience's emotions. If it makes us cry and feel happy, then it's a good movie.
Really, we've suffered too much, lived too painfully.

Was this movie edited? The part before Changsha and Changsha itself were pretty good. But everything after that just fell apart.
It's all about stirring up emotions, constantly stirring them up. The pacing is messy and fast, the dialogue is piled up, and there are too many scattered characters, except for Liao and Ma who are decent.
The cinematography doesn't even use the language of visuals effectively. It's quite challenging for me to accept that this film has a rating of 7.9.
The biggest problem with this film is the rush to present a script that is impossible to fully depict in a short amount of time, while also attempting to establish all the characters.

I finished watching it, and it was incredibly, incredibly awful. The plot was so cliché, and what's worse is that they made it so contrived. It's really not enjoyable to watch.
I swear I won't watch any more movies directed by Chen Sicheng. The whole film is filled with cheap tricks that even a three-year-old could predict. They even had the audacity to give themselves 7 to 8 seconds of close-up shots, it's just pure narcissism.
Ahh, I can't believe I wasted my Christmas watching this stinking piece of garbage film. It made me feel sick to the point of vomiting blood. I feel so stupid.

From casting to character development, the adaptation is truly extraordinary. Five stars for the adaptation. I particularly appreciate the restrained portrayal of emotions between characters. They maintain maturity in every situation where a farce could have unfolded.
The depiction of family dynamics is refreshing, as it avoids becoming a moralistic burden. The three main characters all have their own obsessions, yet they are rational individuals who know to report incidents to the police first.
There are numerous memorable dialogue scenes throughout the entire series that are worth savoring. This drama has given me the most food for thought and emotional impact in recent times. It's a fairytale for adults.

If this film had been made by a foreign country 20 years ago, it probably would have received an 8.8 rating on Douban. Personally, I think this film deserves a rating of 8 or above.
It's been a long time since I've seen such a sincere and realistic movie. What amazed me the most is that it's actually based on a true story.
After three attempts at the postgraduate entrance exam and civil service exam, they basically gave up. The most unbelievable part is that I once heard a legend about someone who accompanied someone else for ten years and got into Tsinghua University.
It's hard to imagine how those people persevered for so long just to find a needle in the ocean and catch a criminal.

The evaluation of a sentiment-driven film should come after the dust settles. The logic flows smoothly, and the acting is still good. The most striking aspect is that the impulsive passion of the past has ultimately turned into mockery.
Is the master a bad person just because he lies? No, he's not. What I didn't like was the overly heartbreaking portrayal of the lower class in society. Does unfulfilled ambition and extreme poverty represent the majority?
Are only government officials glamorous? This aspect is extremely hurtful. What I liked, though, was the closing in of the net, the sunshine shining on everything, while I remain alone with no one to celebrate.
It's so true to life. The attempts to evade censorship are too obvious, so I dare not say more...

I watched the full-frame version at the IMAX theater, and the audio effects were top-notch! The cast of actors is incredible~ all of them are actors I love! It's really exciting to see them act together! The reunion of the Three Musketeers is like a call for them to debut again right there.
There are a few shots that are really cool! I really like the typewriter-style transitions between city scenes! However, during the reunion, it felt like each person was giving a speech, and to create dramatic conflict, they emphasized the length of each person's departure, and I felt like it was dragging on.
Instead of putting these lengths later, it would have been better and more cohesive to clarify the previous details of the story, I feel. There's something about the language of the shots that still feels off. In the end, when Da Yong is captured, there's no sense of satisfaction; instead, it feels like a tedious and petty ending.
The part where Cheng's team picks a fight and beats up Wang Da Yong was more satisfying! Zhang Yi's portrayal of Cheng and An Xin really overlapped strongly. Both characters have been chasing after something for years until they are exhausted, and finally, there's a breakthrough.
But somehow, I feel like they lacked the diversity and intrigue of the characters he played before.

Zhang Yi's acting skills are definitely praiseworthy, especially in the last ten minutes. When he was locked up in the police station, watching Wang Eryong about to "escape" once again, and then in the next second, the police rushed in and subdued the criminal, the relief that Zhang Yi expressed through his breaths seemed like the hands that had been choking him for so many years suddenly loosened.
The enormous burden that had been pressing on his chest was shattered, and his airways struggled to adapt to this newfound smoothness. It's so agonizing, being a lone hero is so agonizing. Even someone as tough as me can't help but feel a bit sorry for him.
The bravery of a police officer is duty, but what about the bravery of an ordinary person? Is it conscience or obsession? I just hope there are fewer bad people in this world. (The deduction of two stars, why is that?
One star is deducted for a scene featuring several greasy men singing at a street food stall, and another star is deducted for a scene where a sleazy man is being stopped, and bystanders exclaim, "So handsome!
" It's really a comedic moment that lowers the rating.)

The filming is really impressive. Although it doesn't have the dark and powerful style of Korean crime dramas, it showcases the unique rhythm and narrative logic of Chinese films.
The portrayal of the twelve-year pursuit may have omitted many details, but the bittersweet reunions and separations of the friends are truly poignant. The pacing of the grand finale is excellent, driving the story to its climax directly.
Through the line "It's not me," it vividly depicts the pitiable nature of the culprit and Wang Er Yong's inner state. Zhang Yi's acting is truly remarkable, displaying rich layers and subtle distinctness.
This is, by far, the best performance I've seen from Zhang Yi, and his expressive eyes are particularly captivating. It's still moving to think about how few twelve-year periods we have in life.
It's truly heart-wrenching and touching. It engraves the lyrics "Enduring hardships with an unwavering heart" into life. The Third Brigade, the best Third Brigade!
The ending song is fantastic.

Insights:

1. Elderly people should promptly get checked after a fall, and if necessary, undergo an MRI.

2. Be cautious around air conditioner repairmen.

3. A man can be complete on his own and pursue his ideals.

4. Having multiple skills won't burden you; learn some cooking techniques from street food stalls.

5. It's sad to be solely motivated by money and not have ideals. Jobs like being a doctor or a police officer, which have a sense of purpose, can be pursued for a lifetime.

6. Upholding rules is difficult. Even if breaking them doesn't immediately cause significant problems, if the rules eventually collapse, it's terrifying. (Even someone as high as bxl shouldn't casually dispose of someone's life.) Human civilization is built upon rules.
(This emphasizes the importance of the rule of law.) Laws aren't just about retaliation; they protect everyone. Never violate clear rules.

Cheng Bing's story itself is already touching; his experiences are legendary. However, the screenwriter portrayed him using cheap, low-cost "details that move others." Everyone else gave up, but he persisted, as if anyone who perseveres can apprehend Wang Eryong.
Cheng Bing can catch Wang Eryong because he is intelligent, calm, rational, and has investigative abilities. He has a conscience and is resilient. He worked as a security guard, a taxi driver, and a water delivery man. Even in the lowest-level jobs, he still demonstrates the qualities of a former captain of the XJ team.
That's why he can catch Wang Eryong. But presenting all of this requires significant effort, a multitude of details, and hard work. The screenwriter didn't want to put in that effort; they just wanted to deceive the audience. The screenwriter sucks!

I want to walk through this life to see Snow Orchid. I want to wear out these shoes, barefoot in the wind and sand. I want to see the clouds at daytime and hold a torch at night. I want there to be justice in this vast world." The ending theme song by Liu Huan elevated the film.
It was touching but rough around the edges.

On another note, let's talk about two actors. Teacher Zhang Yi, does he always have to keep playing these police roles? Won't the audience get aesthetically fatigued? Teacher Ben Yu, in my opinion, seems to have been marinated in Professor Yi Xiaoxing's style.
He has acted in several serious dramas, but when I see his face, it breaks the immersion. Even if he's playing a criminal, he doesn't come across as a formidable one.

Due to space constraints, perhaps a TV series of around ten episodes would be the most suitable format for this storyline. After all, some emotions require slow simmering to fully unfold. The first half of the series is an outstanding example of its genre, evoking memories of watching "A Better Tomorrow" with its emotional resonance.
Even the anime-inspired "everyone takes their place" moment is captivating (although the six years in prison are conveniently glossed over). However, as the story progresses, it becomes tedious and predictable, lacking the excitement and narrative brilliance of the first half.
The cemetery assembly and the final long shot are particularly memorable, paying homage to "Infernal Affairs.

It was incredibly immersive and breathtaking in the Manchester cinema, and in just a second, I felt like I was back in my home country. One of the most memorable moments: when the human traffickers shouted, "Don't move, police," and a group of five people appeared, looking incredibly cool.
They were born to be police officers. Another memorable moment was when they fought Wang Eryong. Years of suffering, grievances, anger, and bitterness all poured out in that moment, and it was cathartic. That was the most tear-jerking scene for me.
The third moment was the final salute in the report, where the well-lit alley was filled with teammates and mentors. After four years of pursuit, they finally saw the dawn of success.

Overall, it's a 3.5 for me. It's decent, but there were some slightly awkward scenes, like when everyone decided to investigate together in the cemetery.
It felt like they were acting within the play, a play within a play, so to speak. Also, Zhang Yi has played a police officer too many times, and he really gives off that police vibe, doesn't he?
The same goes for Wang Xiao. I've been watching two police-themed productions featuring them back-to-back. It's strange how at the beginning, I found Zhang Yi strangely attractive.
And then, when he discovered the suspect, his acting was also very impressive. The aura, the expression, and the age all matched perfectly. He's undoubtedly a talented actor.

What touched me the most was Cheng Bing's expression when he discovered the suspect and covered his mouth. There were so many emotions conveyed in that moment.
Throughout his journey, he lost his family, became separated from his teammates, and in the end, he was the only one left. He couldn't stop, he had to reach a resolution.
He experienced constant disappointment, but he dared not despair. On a larger scale, it can be seen as faith, and on a smaller scale, it became the only thing he could hold onto—the meaning behind being a police officer and the sacrifices he made.
May justice be eternal, and may those who defend it have their wishes fulfilled and not be let down.

These old guys, they try to be reserved, but their emotions delicately unfold layer by layer, not just shouting in the cemetery. It's really awkward, and the pacing is all over the place. (On a side note, Li Chen is really suitable for playing a character with a hint of hypocrisy and power-hungry nature.
He also portrays a sense of helplessness quite well.) Different lives, different choices, that's all there is to it. In the latter part, Zhang Yi single-handedly carries the entire ending. If one can endure the awkwardness and the disorganized pacing in the early stages, perhaps the ending can be seen as quite powerful.
However, it still lacks a bit of refinement.

The grand case builds up a suspenseful appetite, but the subsequent suspense of dealing with the criminals falls short. The human touch is emphasized, but the portrayal of other team members lacks nuance and leans towards stereotyping (although it's probably due to the constraints of the film's duration, as each person couldn't be depicted in more detail).
The film feels more like a narrative and tribute to the beliefs and passionate spirit of an old police officer. It's still a tribute to every dedicated police officer serving the people.

P.S. The actor's version of "Infernal Affairs" is truly a perfect match for the film!

Zhang Yi's portrayal of the police always carries a sense of intense immersion. The early-stage storytelling lacks sufficient buildup, and the plot doesn't have any emotionally impactful scenes.
The only memorable moment is his bruised and swollen face when he shouts "Wang Er Yong." The performance, touted as the dark horse of the year, is somewhat overrated. Personally, I think it's not as good as the well-executed riverbank scene, but it's not a terrible film either.
Giving it 3 stars would be too low, and giving it 4 stars would be too high. Overall, it's at a 7 out of 10 level.