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Drifting Earth (2019, Film)
This 2019 sci-fi film is a wild ride - literally. Based on Liu Cixin's 2000 novella, it's directed by Guo Fan and it's a real thinker. It explores what it means to be human in a vast universe, and it's a conversation starter for sure.
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A Distant Future, A Desperate Plan: 'The Wandering Earth' Review
summarizeEditor's Summary
I recently watched 'The Wandering Earth' and I gotta say, it's a real game-changer. Based on a series of novels by Chinese science fiction author Li Cixin, the film takes place in a not-too-distant future where humanity has just received some shocking news: our sun is gradually cooling. The story follows a family's desperate plan to save the Earth from an impending ice age. With its unique blend of science fiction and family drama, this film is a must-watch for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience. The special effects are top-notch, and the cast delivers a compelling performance. If you're looking for a movie that will leave you feeling hopeful and inspired, look no further than 'The Wandering Earth'. One of the things that sets this film apart is its ability to balance action, drama, and humor in a way that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The world-building is also impressive, with a detailed and believable vision of a future Earth that's both fascinating and terrifying.
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KararMükemmel
Dizayn7/10
Hikaye8/10
Görüntü9/10
Hello everyone!
After watching a string of movies that didn't quite hit the mark, I decided to check out the second installment of The Wandering Earth. And I'm writing this review for the first film, because I really loved the story. Chinese movies are really growing on me, and it's not just the films – I'm also starting to enjoy their animated movies. I'd definitely recommend keeping an eye out for hidden gems.
The film is based on a series of novels by Chinese science fiction author Li Cixin. I'd read one of his other series, but I didn't write a review for that one. His writing style, ideas, and world-building are all incredibly inspiring, so I was eager to see how this would translate to the screen.
So far, there are two films (released in 2019 and 2023), with a third one on the way. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any information on the release date for the third film.
Now, let's get to the review.
As usual, I'll start with a brief summary:
The story takes place in a not-too-distant future where humanity has just received some shocking news: our sun is gradually cooling down, and it's only a matter of time before it goes dark for good. With the sun's demise comes the end of our solar system, and the only way to escape is through a massive project called The Wandering Earth. The goal is to develop technologies that will allow us to move our planet to a new location in space, where we can start anew.
The author's vision is truly epic, spanning not just the planet but the entire cosmos.
As the years go by, the situation on Earth becomes increasingly dire.
Thirty years or so after the initial crisis, life on Earth is becoming almost unbearable. Scientists and government officials started thinking about what they could do in this situation. And how to save people and the planet. That's how the Drifting Earth project was born. All resources were focused on building underground cities and engines that would move Earth off its orbit.
So, 10,000 engines were created all over the planet to make this idea a reality. That's how people would travel to space on their home planet and start searching for a new home. Jupiter is the next stop. With its gravity, there's a plan to escape the solar system. (I'm not an astrophysicist, I might have gotten some concepts wrong. I'm looking at this as a work of fiction, not taking many scientific aspects into account because I don't have the expertise.)
The movie starts with one family. They're sitting by the lake, looking at the engine being built.
The father is about to leave for a space station to start working for the benefit of the entire planet. And the little boy is still trying to grasp what's about to happen.
So, the best of the best are sent to the space station
Honestly, the graphics are already mind-blowing at this point. The visuals are stunning, and it's clear a lot of effort went into making this film. I found myself glued to the screen every minute.
Fast-forwarding a bit further, life on the planet has become pretty routine. People are living their lives as usual, and kids are being taught in schools. And, as you look out the window, the view is definitely not what you'd expect. It's all just a computer-generated hologram, of course. Temperatures on the surface are already getting so extreme that you'd need special gear just to survive.
Many of the kids have no idea what life was like on the surface beforehand. In fact, not everyone who wanted to make the trip down to Earth was able to – some people sadly didn't make it. The decision of who got to go was actually determined by a lottery system. I'm not sure if this was the case in all countries or just China, though.
Han Dodo is one of those kids who's only heard stories about what life used to be like. She was still a baby when she left the surface, and now she just wishes she could see what's available now.
Her older brother, Lu Ci (yeah, that little guy who was watching his dad and grandfather build the engine with him), has promised to take her on a tour of the planet.
I was thinking, the movie doesn't really show us what the society looks like, the city, or how it's supplied. We can only make some educated guesses. It's likely that the social, economic, and political systems we know today would still be in place - someone's gotta be in charge, right? There's no sign of conflict either. It's not like it's been that long since people disappeared underground, but you get the feeling that something like this could happen. I'm pretty sure the book goes into this in more detail. The author's done their research and thought it through (based on the other books I've read).But we do get a glimpse of a few professions, which helps us piece together what life might be like.
Like, for example, the grandfather of the main characters drives these special surface machines.
Han Dodo and Lu Ci sneak up to the surface, using the old guy's ID and swiping his clothes.
Meanwhile, the planet is heading towards Jupiter.
And that's when the main event starts to unfold. I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say it's intense) [Image of the movie's poster] The pacing of the movie is gradual and dynamic, and we get a glimpse of the main characters' personalities. It shows that the Chinese work ethic and loyalty to one's duties are still prevalent. Despite the long screen time (2 hours and 5 minutes), they managed to tell the backstory and transition to the main event of the first film. However, they didn't get to reveal all the other characters. It's mainly the brother and sister, their grandfather, and father. I liked the idea and the execution. Of course, it's not complete without its quirky Chinese characters, selflessness, and other national nuances. The scale is impressive. I'd recommend it to fans of science fiction.
People have been writing about life beneath the earth for a long time. And there are countless conspiracy theories about it. If you're interested in movies, I'd suggest checking out
Journey to the Center of the Earth - Journey to a place where you don't know where you're going and what you'll find. We're heading to the center of the Earth!
Artemis Fowl - This isn't an adaptation, not based on the books. They couldn't come up with a worthy storyline, so I'm not sure why you'd watch it. (Purely for the visuals of the cities underground. But the books are way better)
The book. The Amber City. Escape (all 4 books) - A subterranean city where people live by written laws, unaware of their past. What instructions did the enigmatic Creator leave behind? A fantastic post-apocalyptic read for both teenagers and adults
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What is the plot of 'The Wandering Earth'?
The film takes place in a not-too-distant future where humanity has just received some shocking news: our sun is gradually cooling. The story follows a family's desperate plan to save the Earth from an impending ice age.
Who is the author of the novels that 'The Wandering Earth' is based on?
The film is based on a series of novels by Chinese science fiction author Li Cixin.
What makes 'The Wandering Earth' a standout in its genre?
The film's unique blend of science fiction and family drama makes it a standout in its genre.
Are the special effects in 'The Wandering Earth' good?
Yes, the special effects in 'The Wandering Earth' are truly breathtaking, with stunning visuals that will leave you speechless.
Is 'The Wandering Earth' a family-friendly film?
Yes, 'The Wandering Earth' is a family-friendly film that is suitable for viewers of all ages.
What are the themes of 'The Wandering Earth'?
The film's themes of hope and perseverance are incredibly inspiring and timely.
How long is 'The Wandering Earth'?
The film's runtime is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Is 'The Wandering Earth' available to stream?
Yes, 'The Wandering Earth' is available to stream on various platforms, including Netflix and Amazon Prime.
What awards has 'The Wandering Earth' won?
The film has won several awards, including the Golden Rooster Award for Best Film and the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Director.
check_circlePros
- •The film's unique blend of science fiction and family drama makes it a standout in its genre.
- •The special effects are truly breathtaking, with stunning visuals that will leave you speechless.
- •The cast delivers a compelling performance, bringing depth and emotion to their characters.
- •The film's themes of hope and perseverance are incredibly inspiring and timely.
- •The movie's pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of action, drama, and humor that keeps you engaged.
- •The film's world-building is impressive, with a detailed and believable vision of a future Earth.
- •The film's score is also noteworthy, adding to the overall sense of tension and urgency.
- •The film's themes of family and relationships are also well-explored, making it a great watch for anyone looking for a movie that will make them think.
cancelCons
- •The film's pacing can be a bit slow in some parts, which may test your patience.
- •Some viewers may find the film's themes and ideas a bit too complex or overwhelming.
- •The film's ending feels a bit rushed, which may leave some viewers wanting more.
- •The film's reliance on special effects can make it feel a bit over-reliant on CGI.
- •The film's characters can feel a bit one-dimensional at times, which may make it hard to connect with them.
- •The film's themes and ideas may not be for everyone, especially those who prefer more lighthearted fare.
- •Some viewers may find the film's depiction of a future Earth to be a bit too bleak or nihilistic.
- •The film's dialogue can be a bit clunky at times, which may take you out of the movie.
