Streetwise (2021) Drama Movie Review
"Streetwise" is a Chinese neo-noir thriller that bends time like a rubber band, creating a moody atmosphere. The story revolves around Dong Zi, a young enforcer for Xu Jun, a ruthless debt collector in Sichuan. Dong Zi follows orders, except when it comes to Jiu'er, a distant tattoo parlor owner. Even Dong Zi's ex-gangster dad warns him about Jiu'er.
The tangled relationships of Jiu'er and Dong Zi mirror the convoluted flow of time in the film. Jiu'er, once married to powerful mobster Mr. Four, owes him money. Dong Zi, torn between loyalty to his father and boss, struggles to repay his debts. Time in "Streetwise" moves at its own pace, not following a natural or real-time rhythm.
%20Drama%20Movie.jpg "Streetwise (2021) Drama Movie")
Director Na Jiazuo skillfully arranges visuals, creating striking compositions even in mundane scenes. The film's pace, marked by abrupt scene changes, keeps viewers on their toes, but the story doesn't progress smoothly. The movie concludes with an unexpected, somewhat unsatisfying ending that reflects the characters' inability to envision a life beyond their riverside home.
"Streetwise" isn't slow but unfolds gradually, much like its doomed characters who circle around each other without trying to break free. The film raises the question: What if you're too comfortable and held back by relationships that hinder your progress?
"Streetwise" focuses on Dong Zi, the central character in Na's film, but his challenges reflect the gritty and captivating environment surrounding him. Dong Zi's father and Xu Jun share a similar hustler background, and Xu Jun has connections to Mr. Four, his former problematic student. This web of relationships keeps Dong Zi entangled with Jiu'er, who, like him, is trapped in their stagnant lives.
Time moves deliberately in the film, emphasized by Na's precise framing and abrupt cuts, creating a sometimes jarring but authentic atmosphere. The ambient soundtrack adds to the movie's lived-in feel, making it a melancholic yet beautiful experience.
While "Streetwise" falls into the category of recent Chinese neo-noirs, it stands out by capturing the characters' unique acceptance of lives they feel they didn't choose. Trapped in their circumstances, they aren't big fish in a small pond but medium-sized fish in a slowly draining pool. Despite their predicament, they find beauty and strangeness in their shared experiences, making their lives seem easy and familiar.
The film isn't driven by its plot but by the overwhelming yet subtle emotions of its small-scale drama. Despite its noir roots, "Streetwise" delves into the lives of people living in perpetual hope and denial, offering a cynical yet gorgeously morbid and occasionally funny perspective.
Na infuses rich details into every frame, subtly altering the perception of time in "Streetwise." Viewers linger with the characters longer than usual, yet the film maintains a mysterious and assured pace. Although just over 90 minutes, "Streetwise" feels like a condensed epic poem, skillfully crafted for maximum impact.