Watch Kaili Blues

Kaili Blues is a poignant Chinese drama film that tells the story of a kind-hearted doctor who embarks on a journey to find his nephew. The movie begins in the remote Chinese city of Kaili, where Chen Sheng (played by Yongzhong Chen) works as a doctor in a dilapidated clinic. He deeply cares for his patients, patiently listening to their problems and providing them with medicine and kind words. One day, he receives a letter from his brother, asking him to find his young nephew who has been adopted by a couple living in a nearby village. Moved by the letter, Chen Sheng sets out to find the boy, embarking on a journey that takes him through time and space.

As Chen Sheng travels, the film takes on a dreamlike quality, with surreal and breathtakingly beautiful shots of the Chinese countryside. Director Bi Gan expertly blends reality and fantasy, with elements of magical realism that add to the film's surreal quality. This makes the movie a visually arresting experience, with every shot framed to perfection and the colors and sounds of the natural world providing a stunning backdrop. The film deals with themes of memory, loss, and time, and uses the journey of Chen Sheng as a metaphor for the human experience.

Along the way, we meet other characters, each with their own stories to tell. There is Weiwei (played by Linyan Liu), a beautiful woman who works in a noodle shop, and who seems to exist in a reality all her own. Then there is the old man, who has memories of Kaili that stretch back for decades, and who provides Chen Sheng with a sense of history and connection to the place. Finally, there is Chen Sheng's nephew, who remains a mysterious and elusive presence throughout the film.

The film is notable for its use of long, unbroken takes, with several scenes lasting for several minutes without a cut. This style of filmmaking adds a sense of urgency and immediacy to the film, and allows the audience to become absorbed fully in the story. It also showcases the incredible talent of the actors, who give stunning performances throughout.

One of the most impressive scenes in the movie is the 41-minute sequence towards the end. It's a breathtakingly ambitious and masterfully executed shot, which takes the audience on a journey through the winding streets of Kaili, while following characters in and out of various locations. This sequence is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of director Bi Gan, who has created something truly special with this movie.

Overall, Kaili Blues is an emotionally charged and visually stunning film, with a haunting soundtrack that complements the movie's dreamlike atmosphere. It's a film that demands to be watched closely, with attention paid to every detail, as it weaves together themes of love, loss, and memory. So, if you want to explore the beauty of China and enjoy a well-crafted story, Kaili Blues can be a perfect choice for you.

Kaili Blues is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 85.