King of Peking

King of Peking is a fascinating Chinese comedy-drama film from 2017 that delves into the realm of cinematic power, obsession, father-son relationships, and moral quandaries. Written, directed, and produced by Sam Voutas, this movie effectively creates an enthralling narrative world entwined with bits of humor, warmth, love and shared dreams, anchored by standout performances from the leading cast including Jun Zhao, Wang Naixun, and Qing Han.

Set in the 1990s in Beijing, the story revolves around Big Wong and Little Wong, a father-son duo portrayed by Jun Zhao and Wang Naixun respectively. The two form a memorable team both on and off the cinema screen. "Big Wong" is a movie projectionist with an overwhelming passion for films and a troubled marital life. His equally charming son, "Little Wong," is his loyal partner in every predicament.

Being a divorced single parent, Big Wong is struggling with financial constraints while also striving to remain connected with his son. In search of new opportunities, the duo embarks on a journey that leads them to an old Beijing Movie Theatre, where Big Wong serves as a projectionist, thereby paving the path to an unexpected setting of their new adventure.

It's at this juncture the film subtly starts probing the ethical questions. When running out of ways to pay for Little Wong’s custody, Big Wong stumbles into a scheme - bootlegging pirated copies of the movies he projects at the local theatre. It’s an activity fraught with risk and moral dilemmas but driven by intense desperation.

At first hesitant, Little Wong soon becomes an integral part of the operation, not only in producing the DVDs but also in developing the selling pitch based on his talent for mimicking film characters, hence giving birth to "King of Peking." This new gig transforms into a bonding experience for the father and son but also raises ethical questions. How far can one go to keep a family together? This is where the film explores the grey areas, making the audience emotionally tangled with the complex characters and their difficult choices.

As they navigate through their entrepreneurial journey, the movie takes a closer look at the gritty realities of life, the tantalizing lure of cinema, and the love a father has for his son. It presents an interesting perspective on how moving pictures and projectors become a pivot, shaping the lives of our main characters and influencing their decision-making.

The cast does a brilliant job in bringing out the complexity of their respective characters with nuanced and compelling performances. Jun Zhao's portrayal of a desperate father willing to do whatever it takes, even compromising his principles, adds a powerful layer to the film. On the other hand, Wang Naixun gives a stellar performance as the innocent son tangled in the web of adult problems and moral complexities.

Besides the excellent performances, the innovative script and the seamless narrative ensure King of Peking isn't just another story about bootlegging. It is an allegorical exploration of life, offering discreet commentary on topics like parenting, intellectual property law, and the fine line between right and wrong.

The film captures the essence of the ’90s beautifully through its aesthetic and cinematic appeal. It's packed with nostalgia from start to finish. The movie's direction and cinematography create a captivating ambiance that is much like a love letter to classic cinema.

Serving both as a compelling drama and a charming comedy, King of Peking poses thought-provoking questions that will linger in your mind long after the final credits roll. This tale of morality, familial bonds, and shared dreams between a father and son duo captivates its audience, making it a consistently engaging, humorous, touching, and truly cinematic experience. Filled with heart and soul, this film is sure to be a feast for lovers of cinema, promising some truly unforgettable cinematic moments.