Dead Pigs

Dead Pigs is a Chinese-American dramedy that was released in 2018. Directed by Cathy Yan, the film stars Zazie Beetz, Mason Lee, Meng Li, and others.

The film is set in Shanghai and revolves around several characters whose lives are interconnected. Old Wang (Haoyu Yang) is a pig farmer who refuses to sell his pigs, hoping that the government will eventually pay him a higher price. His sister Candy Wang (Vivian Wu) is a salon owner who is trying to keep her business afloat. Meanwhile, architect Sean (Mason Lee) is struggling with his career - he designs buildings that are never built. His love interest, Xia Xia (Meng Li), is a lonely woman who works at Candy's salon and dreams of starting a new life in the United States.

The film's storyline starts with a mysterious phenomenon: dead pigs are floating down the Huangpu River, which runs through Shanghai. Large numbers of pigs are being culled as the Chinese government tries to contain an outbreak of swine fever. But there is something else going on too. As the pigs' bodies pile up, the city's water supply is put at risk. Humans can also be harmed by the virus, which is why the government is culling pigs on such a massive scale.

Through a series of interconnected plotlines, we see how the lives of the characters in Dead Pigs are affected by the mass death of these animals. Some of them are directly involved in the crisis, while others are more peripherally affected. But no one remains untouched.

The film is a poignant commentary on several issues, including China's rapid urbanization, the country's growing middle class, and the changing attitudes toward food and health. Dead Pigs explores the conflicts that arise when tradition and modernization collide, as well as the tensions that can exist between personal desires and societal expectations.

One standout performance in the film comes from Zazie Beetz, who plays a young American named Angie. Angie is a musician who has moved to Shanghai to pursue her dreams, but finds herself struggling to make ends meet. As she becomes more involved in the community, Angie realizes that she is not as alone as she thought. Beetz portrays Angie's vulnerability and strength beautifully, and her story provides a much-needed dose of optimism in a film that can at times be quite bleak.

Another strong performance comes from Mason Lee, who plays architect Sean. Lee's understated performance perfectly captures Sean's awkwardness and dissatisfaction with his life. As he falls for Xia Xia, we see him start to question his own values and priorities. Lee's performance is nuanced and affecting, and his chemistry with Meng Li's Xia Xia is palpable.

Overall, Dead Pigs is a film that deftly weaves together multiple storylines to create a compelling and thought-provoking portrait of contemporary China. It is a beautifully shot film that is full of humor, heart, and pathos. While at times the film can feel a bit disjointed, it is ultimately a satisfying and rewarding viewing experience. Beyond its social commentary and its exploration of modernity, Dead Pigs is a film that reminds us of the interconnectedness of our lives - and of the power of community to help us weather even the most unexpected of crises.