Is I am Chinese Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2012)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

I am Chinese, a standout production of 2012, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the War, Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into During WWII, Taiwan was occupied by Japan. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of War, 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: "During WWII, Taiwan was occupied by Japan. Hai Sheng, a young man from Taiwan, was deeply influenced by Japanese militarism. He enthusiastically joined the Japanese vanguard and went to the mainland China to participate in the war together with his foster-brother, Yamamoto Ichiro. However, when he witnessed the atrocities of the Japanese army killing Chinese civilians, he only wanted to escape back to his hometown. On the way back home, Hai Sheng met four girls including Ning Yu. Forced by desperation, Hai Sheng agreed to send them to the occupied Nanjing city. Along the way, Hai Sheng not only had to protect the four girls, but also avoided the pursuit of Yamamoto Ichiro, the captain of the vanguard team. In the end, among the four girls, only Sakurako (Ying Zi), who was of Japanese descent, survived. When Ying Zi also saw the true face of the Japanese soldiers, Hai Sheng decided to work hard to cover Ying Zi to break out of the Japanese army camp."

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 Ganming 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 Ricky Lau 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 92 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 I am Chinese 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 War, 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 1/10 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, I am Chinese explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2012 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Ricky Lau 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, I am Chinese 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 Ganming or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, I am Chinese is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.