Is Chu Liuxiang: The Beginning Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Drama cinema, the 2021 release of Chu Liuxiang: The Beginning stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Bandit chief Chu Luixiang is the main character of eight wuxia novels written by late legend Gu Long. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama 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: "Bandit chief Chu Luixiang is the main character of eight wuxia novels written by late legend Gu Long. Many cult films rom Hongkong have been based on the history of his adventures (Clans of Intrigue, Legend of the Bat, Perils of the Sentimental Swordsman, Legend of the Liquid Sword etc) In Wei Dong’s movie we will learn about the early years of the newcomer Chu who aspires to become a "thief" and inadvertently befriends Mu Qianyu, the new master of the Divine Water Palace, who is dressed as a man."

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. Despite the inherent talent of Dylan Kuo, the performance in Chu Liuxiang: The Beginning feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Dong Wei 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 78 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 Chu Liuxiang: The Beginning 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 Drama, 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 3/10 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, Chu Liuxiang: The Beginning explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2021 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Dong Wei 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, Chu Liuxiang: The Beginning 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 Dylan Kuo or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Chu Liuxiang: The Beginning is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.