Escape from the 21st century

From Gravity to The Wandering Earth, government-sponsored movies often include messaging or branding that spoils the experience. Still, in search of something different from the usual fare, I stumbled upon Escape From The 21st Century, an independently produced film free from government influence or funding, and came away pleasantly surprised.

This movie is a dynamic visual feast that blends live-action and animation, bursting with quirky scenes, over-the-top scuffles, and offbeat charm peppered with cultural references. Amid the chaos and absurdity, it delivers laughs and a touching message about connection, regrets, and second chances. It's a wildly imaginative ride that is as visually creative as it is emotionally stirring by the end.

Yes, I'd like to say a few words. Thank you.

Li Yang is undoubtedly one of the most imaginative and free-spirited directors among China's talented filmmakers.

Another similar director might be Han Yan.

The comparison is not about who is better. Han Yan probably can't be as reckless as Li Yang, and Li Yang probably can't draw freedom following strict principles like Han Yan.

Imaginative filmmakers are, of course, not rare, but what's rare is a director like Li Yang who can accurately express every form of imaginative freedom.

Chinese cinema definitely needs Li Yang, just as it needs Han Yan, Cheng Er, and Guo Fan.

That's why I feel somewhat frustrated about this film's box office performance. Han Yan's 'Animal World' had over 500 million yuan at the box office. That's a ticket for Han Yan to go on and on.

I'm afraid Li Yang might be gone after this. It's okay if Bi Gan disappeared. Not Li Yang.

A wild blend of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and Everything Everywhere All at Once, mixing nostalgic teen adventure with chaotic, reality-bending absurdity. Escape from the 21st Century is a chaotic, neon-drenched rollercoaster that blends nostalgia, absurdist humor, and heartfelt existentialism. With its fast-paced editing, reality-bending twists, and visually maximalist style, the film delivers a hyperactive experience that feels like a fever dream. It thrives on ACG culture, cyberpunk aesthetics, and a touch of dreamcore, making it a unique entry in modern sci-fi comedies. If you love wild, dimension-hopping adventures packed with humor and emotion, this one's for you.

"If you are in pain, it is only temporary" said the director via a video prior to the start of the film screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. If this was true, then the film would have been over in a minute or two.

"The greatest lie we tell ourselves is that things will get better when we grow up."

This theme seemed enticing, and it helped lead me to see this film. Also the comparison to a Stephen Chow film (whose films I love). However, the film didn't follow the premise or compare to Chow. It didn't follow any premise except trying to look cool. No depth, and no purpose. And really, falling into a chemical spill gives the characters the ability to time travel?! I don't mind giving a story line the benefit of the doubt, but this isn't brilliant or creative, it's just dumb.

No pun intended - I can understand people making that connection ... but this is on another crazy plane ... and I mean that as a compliment, just in case it is not clear. Escaping the future or escaping the past? Sometimes the one and sometimes the other - I am not sure if all makes sense ... but the movie that also has quite a lot of animation ... goes over the top! This really challenges your viewing pattern ... whatever you are used to watch ... however you think the structure of a movie should be.

All on the table ... or in the realms of ... well timelines! This is really quite something! It is tough to express in words ... this really caught me off guard ... I was going to call this "Smells like teen spirit" ... in the summary headline ... but then I went with the movie tagline. The one I didn't choose is on a shirt and also a pun ... considering all the teens and the subject matter in it ... open your mind and let this crazy world consume it ... or you consume it ... whichever way works! Just do not sneeze (too often)