This Is Sanlitum

This is Sanlitun, a 2013 indie dramatic comedy, proves to be an intriguing look into the world of a small subculture nestled in the heart of Beijing, China. The film boasts a variety of international talents including the likes of British actor Carlos Ottery, Australian actor Christopher Loton, and Chinese actress Ai Wan. The film is directed by Róbert I. Douglas, who paints a vivid and at times quirky picture of foreigners trying to make it in a metropolis that is as alien to them as it is enthralling.

The narrative revolves around the character of Gary, played by Carlos Ottery. Gary embodies the quintessential down-on-his-luck expatriate. Back home in Ireland under disappointed circumstances, he is driven by the ambition to achieve something worthwhile in life and enters the bustling cultural, economic, and social hub that is Beijing. Specifically, Gary aims to establish himself in Sanlitun, a cosmopolitan district known for its trendy venues and multicultural populace.

Being lost in translation and caught between the clash of East meets West, he grapples with acclimatizing to his new environment. His goal includes opening an authentic Irish bar in an affluent region, where most expats gather, negotiating cultural differences and overcoming the challenge of the language barrier. His saving grace and beacon of hope comes in an unlikely form when he meets Frank, portrayed by Christopher Loton. Frank is a dubious yet charismatic businessman who offers to lend a helping hand to Gary, and a hilarious and somewhat chaotic bonding ensues.

One of the stronger facets of the film is its ability to present a plethora of characters who act as mirrors, reflecting the wide variety of expats in the city. Each character brings a unique cultural perspective, comedy, idiosyncrasies, and the shared feeling of being 'lost in translation'. The chemistry between Ottery and Loton is a driving force in the film, contributing significantly to the overall comedic impact.

Ai Wan plays the role of the charming and enigmatic woman who crosses paths with Gary, adding a romantic subplot and more complexities into the mix. Wan's performance offers a lot of depth and warmth to her character as her relationship with Gary develops.

Director Róbert I. Douglas takes comedy and drama, blends them with the challenge of dealing with cultural shock and navigates through the intricate complexities of expatriate life in Beijing. The humor is intelligently crafted through linguistic misunderstandings, cultural mishaps, and the peculiarities of human interactions.

The film is beautifully shot and presents a stunning view of the Beijing cityscape. The colors, lights, and hustle and bustle of the city become part of the story, contributing to the immersive quality of the viewing experience. The cinematography and setting are not just a mere backdrop to the characters and the narrative; they are an integral part of the film, each street and skyline telling its own tale.

This is Sanlitun is notable for its reach despite it being an indie film. It taps into the immense potential of the landscape, capturing the spirit and vibe of the city, reflective in the title itself which gives a nod to the real-life vibrant district in Beijing.

Douglas takes his viewers on an amusing ride filled with a jumble of emotions as they witness Gary navigate the complex labyrinth of human connections, desires, ambitions, and the Chinese corporate world.

In summary, This is Sanlitun is more than just a movie about an expatriate living in Beijing. It’s a narrative about seeing beyond our cultural norms and understanding that we are all simply humans trying to find our place in the world. The film offers humor and wit while shedding light on the tantalizing disconnect that foreigners feel in an unfamiliar land. Echoing the experiences of expatriates in a foreign land, the film can be viewed as a universal story about searching for identity, belonging, and purpose amidst life's absurdities.