Huo Xin’s debut, Bound in Heaven, offers a moving tale of love and resilience, featuring outstanding performances by Ni Ni and Zhou You.
Bound in Heaven, Huo Xin’s debut film, won the Jury Prize for Best Cinematography, awarded to Piao Songri for his stunning visual portrayal of the contrast between nature and urban landscapes. Set in China, the film captures the divide between the richness of city life and the poverty of rural areas. It also received the FIPRESCI Award at the 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival.
This love story explores how love can transcend even the most difficult obstacles, from terminal illness to domestic violence. It’s remarkable that this is a debut film for Huo Xin, a seasoned scriptwriter known for works like Driverless (2010), Journey to the West: Conquering (2013), Sunflower (2005), and Curiosity Kills the Cat (2006). Her handling of complex subjects such as domestic violence and terminal illness is a true accomplishment in the film’s 109-minute runtime.
The story unfolds in Shanghai in 2010, then transitions to smaller cities and rural areas, immersing us in authentic Chinese life. Xia You, played by Ni Ni, is a successful finance professional with a seemingly perfect life. However, beneath her polished exterior lies a painful reality: she endures severe physical and emotional abuse from her partner, portrayed by Liao Fan. One day, while seeking scalped tickets to a concert by her favorite star, Faye Wong, Xia encounters Xu Zitai, a terminally ill man played by Zhou You. Their immediate connection leads to an unforgettable, intimate moment in a dark alley. Later, during a business trip, she meets him again, discovering he now runs a small noodle shop. Drawn to him, Xia resolves to leave her old life behind. But life isn’t simple; Xu is suffering from a rare cancer that has spread extensively by the time it’s diagnosed. Refusing extensive medical treatment, he’s determined to live the remainder of his life on his own terms.
The film insightfully explores the lives of the rich and the poor, highlighting disparities in healthcare access and resilience in the face of hardship. It also sheds light on domestic violence against women in China and how societal pressures often keep it hidden.
The film’s raw portrayal of domestic violence is unflinching, capturing moments that may make even the strongest viewers recoil. Yet, the gripping storyline compels you to watch until the end, showcasing the power of resilience and love between Xia and Xu despite their social differences. Their honest acceptance of life’s harsh realities makes this a deeply moving experience. Adapted from Li Xiuwen’s novel, the film tackles difficult issues by framing them through the economic disparities of the two characters.
We are delighted to be reporting live from the 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival, running on September 20-28, 2024 in Spain.
