Is After the STA Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2018, After the STA represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Modern Cinema category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The emperor's hometown chubby was the same as the left-behind children's big stone Lei bully, the descendants of the legendary Yue Fei, the revenge of the unsuccessful and humiliated, in order to fight for a heroic festival, the egg, the chubby Wang Fu three bonfires, privately cast guns I vowed to learn from Shi Lei. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "The emperor's hometown chubby was the same as the left-behind children's big stone Lei bully, the descendants of the legendary Yue Fei, the revenge of the unsuccessful and humiliated, in order to fight for a heroic festival, the egg, the chubby Wang Fu three bonfires, privately cast guns I vowed to learn from Shi Lei. Later, not only did the "big things" fail, but the partner Wang Fu was also picked up by the mother. With the support of another group of supporters, the egg began to make real weapons and horses, waiting for a day before the snow, unexpectedly. Shi Lei’s father’s father came to stop the “decisive battle” and took away Shi Lei’s fight. The egg won without fighting, but he was dull. This land has no fun to play with."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Li Shihong provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Jinlin Li is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 90 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is After the STA truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, After the STA explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2018 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Jinlin Li respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, After the STA is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Li Shihong or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, After the STA is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.