So Long, My Son

Set against a background of political and social change in China, it follows the life of the married "Yaojun" (Jingchun Wang) and "Liyun" (Mei Yong). They are contented enough until a tragedy disheartens them thoroughly and they move to a more urban existence which doesn't really suit anyone. It's especially problematic for their adopted son "Liu" (Roy Wang) who takes recalcitrance to an whole new level and just walks out on them one day. Initially concerned for his wellbeing, time elapses and they have to face the immediate difficulties of their own lives - at work and emotionally, before concluding that perhaps they ought to return home. It's a story that constantly moves the stability goalposts for the couple - and though their own love ...

So Long, My Son: A Masterful Tapestry of Grief and Cultural Transformation

Xiaoshuai Wang's So Long, My Son is an extraordinary cinematic experience that weaves a profoundly intimate narrative across three decades of Chinese social upheaval. At its core, this is a film about loss, resilience, and the quiet ways humans may navigate profound personal tragedy.

Let's talk performances. Jingchun Wang and Mei Yong are nothing short of revelatory. Jingchun Wang, in particular, delivers what I'll boldly claim is the most nuanced silent character arc I've ever witnessed on film. His ability to communicate entire emotional landscapes with minimal dialogue is breathtaking. Over the film's expansive 185-minute runtime, he transforms befor...