Is Proud of Me Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Proud of Me, a standout production of 2018, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Comedy landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into 369 by Zheng, Runqi is raised by his father Li, Jinlong alone. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy 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: "369 by Zheng, Runqi is raised by his father Li, Jinlong alone. His father's biggest hope is that 369 can enter a university and find a decent job after that. However, 369's grade was always at the bottom and he escaped from class at Grade 11, resulting in his expelling. His father could only be contacted every connection he had, hoping that 369 could learn some skills and get independent. 369 hated every job introduced by his father. He failed and failed again in almost 8 years and was laughed at by his neighbors. So 369 decided to go to Shenzhen to escaped from the town and all those derision. 369 became an internet celebrity, which was considered as the violation of his father's hope. The relationship between them was going to a total rupture."

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. In Proud of Me, we see Zheng Runqi utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.

The direction by Lan Hongchun 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 100 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 Proud of Me 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, 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 5/10 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, Proud of Me explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2018 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Lan Hongchun 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, Proud of Me 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 Zheng Runqi or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Proud of Me is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.