Is Nian Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Nian, a standout production of 2020, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Comedy, Fantasy landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into People in Hujiazhuang Village focus less and less on the Spring Festival. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy, Fantasy 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: "People in Hujiazhuang Village focus less and less on the Spring Festival. The lion dance boy Luo Chuan dreams of carrying forward lion dance culture and skills but often causes great turmoil wherever he goes. He's considered as a "dangerous element" by the villagers and the head Hu. The Monster Nian, comes to the human world by accident and takes away the lion head, the village's heirloom. While trying to get the lion head back, Luo Chuan gets to know Axi, the Immortal Mouse, that comes to the mortal world to catch the Monster Nian. They gradually realize Nian is not scary at all and can make friends with humans, but Hu makes a plot against Nian after being possessed by the Spirit-Devouring Demon. In the end, Luo Chuan and Axi, together with other villagers, defeat the Spirit-Devouring Demon and awakens Hu."

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 Chen Chuang 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 Liu Hongzhi 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 77 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 Nian 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 Comedy, Fantasy, 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, Nian explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Liu Hongzhi 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, Nian 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 Chen Chuang or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Nian is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.