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.

The film has a great narrative arc, is very funny but really real, and gives a look at one section of China's hard workers: the food delivery riders.

Upstream is acted very well, and doesn't ever miss a beat in story development or comic timing. It's a great feel-good tale, too.

For a few years now, this profession hasn't been part of the gig economy as defined in the sense of such Western jobs that come with a lack of rights for employees.

In 2021, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and other regulatory bodies mandated that local food delivery platforms provide drivers with a minimum wage, access to insurance, and improved working conditions. The order also required platforms to enroll delivery workers in social insurance programs.

China does listen to its people. China's food delivery giants Meituan and Ele.me are to impose mandatory rest breaks for delivery drivers to improve their health and safety.

The changes in policy come after a public outcry over a September incident when a 55-year-old delivery rider collapsed and died in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou.

China is a point of interest now of course and one way to glimpse into its society without actually visiting is to watch this movie. The layers of propaganda from the countries of the West about China are thick, but even this film, a comedy but also real, can dissolve a few.

This film helps us be less hateful and/or believing of the entire mass media with its constant negative framing of China. At the same time it's a ball watching it, a film so real we can feel it and relate, while laughing and shedding a tear too.

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.

Kinda realistic with the way they displayed some customers' behaviours. You may say "They won't act like that, etc..." but in reality, I, myself, have encountered such people, and lots of them saw themselves as gods and demanded others to obey them.

The film also successfully emphasised the main subject of each scene, using shades and colours, giving audiences the impression of how harsh the industry is, especially in the first half of the film.

But the largest disadvantage is they didn't go deeper into other side characters, mainly riders, aside from Big Black, Stingie, and Dashan.

One debatable thing is whether riders actually walked in and helped the restaurant owner or not. I would say that 40% of the time, they do, but only if the restaurant is packed with orders. It happens in some countries where people have sympathy for each other.

The last thing is that this is a film created in a country where the delivery industry is rapidly changing and growing, so it just depends on your nationality, and for me, who lives in a country like that, I would say that this film is realistic, giving me an insight into the mechanism of such a powerful industry.