Upstream

Upstream is an extraordinary cinematic masterpiece that captures a powerful and deeply relatable story. The narrative resonates with the reality that many people face, pushing viewers to reflect on their own lives. For me, it sparked intense introspection about my career and life choices, especially my decision to pursue IT as a profession. Over time, this field has begun to feel like a temporary phase, one where obsolescence is almost inevitable. The film made me realise how important it is to evaluate where we stand and what truly matters in life.

The acting, directing, and overall execution of this film are nothing short of phenomenal. Each actor delivered a performance so authentic and emotionally compelling that it completely immersed me in their world. The director's vision is clear, and the story flows with a perfect balance of emotion, tension, and realism. It's far beyond what we often see in big-budget productions like Disney's Marvel films, which can sometimes feel repetitive and shallow. Upstream stands out for its depth, originality, and the meaningful impact it leaves on its audience.

What makes this film even more remarkable is its ability to inspire self-reflection and motivation. It serves as a wake-up call, reminding us that at some point, we all need to reassess our lives and strive towards our true goals. It's a rare film that not only entertains but also delivers a profound message. Huge respect to the creators for producing something so meaningful and impactful. Keep up the exceptional work-this is the kind of storytelling that changes perspectives and stays with viewers long after the credits roll.

As I live in China, I am more than used to the sight of the zippy delivery drivers dressed in yellow either dodging in and out of traffic with their little scooters or hanging out in and around restaurants waiting for their next delivery. The film 'Upstream' is about one such story, a middle-aged man who has lost his job but still has a family and bills (lots of bills) and has to take on a job as a delivery rider for one of Chongqing's biggest food couriers.

The film portrays the difficult nature of the job and dealing with unreasonable customers, hostile traffic and trying to earn more and more money by becoming king of the delivery drivers where our hero 'Gao' needs to be top dog to pay off his mortgage installments.

I really enjoyed it, a good story, funny with characters you can warm to. I think this is one Chinese comedy that can be enjoyed by anyone anywhere. A ten out of ten.

If you have spent more than 2 days even as a tourist in China, chances are good you had a near-miss traffic accident with a "knight" in yellow-clad armour.

This movie gives us a closer look at the overlooked. In China's biggest cities, the yellow "knights" as they are lovingly called buzz around like bees. Always trying to take a shortcut and running a red light to make a quick buck, the service economy runs on poor non-registered workers risking their life for little pay.

Although thoroughly enjoyable, there's two aspects that hold this movie back slightly: first, the performances are good but the wife actress sticks out like a sore thumb. Poorly acted and poorer written still, it takes you out of the story every time she's on screen. Second, there's several parts where the movie really feels like a propaganda piece paid for by Kuai Di companies. Delivering bravely in the rain, to rooftops, to hospitals, all to become the "top driver" and save a kid with leukemia, it actually looks exactly like a popular Kaui Di ad that used to run on Chinese TV.

So it's 4/5 for this delivery.

I did not have any expectation about this. Nor any references about the movie, the director, the casts, the plot. Nope. I happened to played it this morning on Netflix and boy, it completely kept me stuck to it! I know it is going to be a predictable plot and story but it is perfectly shot, made, acted, edited.. very good production! I really enjoyed the pictures, the editing. It shows the craziness of the bike delivery life in Shanghai (?) perfectly. There are some over dramatic scenes and situation but all to me are acceptable and in line to the story. The 5 minutes closing credit is also very worth watching, do not pass it. I become more respect to the fact that the main actor is the director. He did a very good job.

Upstream is a powerful Chinese drama by director-actor Xu Zheng that dives deep into the crisis of middle age in the gig economy era. Set in post-pandemic China, the film follows Cao Zhilv, a 45-year-old IT engineer who loses his job and is forced to become a food delivery driver to support his family. What follows is a gritty, emotional journey through economic despair, generational pressure, and quiet resilience.

The film's greatest strength lies in its social commentary. It boldly addresses age discrimination, labor exploitation, and the brutal reality of "996" work culture. Xu Zheng delivers a deeply human performance - weary, proud, and quietly desperate - supported by raw cinematography that focuses on facial expressions and daily struggle rather than melodrama.

A standout scene shows Cao bleeding and exhausted, still determined to deliver an order - a gut-wrenching metaphor for dignity amidst dehumanization. The ending, where he builds a navigation app to help fellow delivery workers, has sparked debate. Some see it as overly optimistic, brushing past deeper structural issues. Others embrace it as a symbol of hope and self-reinvention.

While the secondary characters could have been fleshed out more, and certain moments feel dramatized, Upstream remains a poignant and timely film. It doesn't offer easy answers, but it makes you pause, reflect, and empathize - and that, perhaps, is its greatest achievement.

Verdict: A moving and socially conscious film that gives a voice to the often invisible workforce. Recommended for fans of grounded dramas like The Pursuit of Happyness or Nomadland.